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The Criminal Procedure (Simplification) project was a joint project between the Ministry of Justice and the Law Commission. It had two objectives: to reduce unnecessary court delays, through legislative and operational change; and to create a more accessible and simplified criminal procedure.
The project reflected many of the recommendations made in the Law Commission’s 2005 report Pre-Trial Processes: Justice Through Efficiency (NZLC R89). It also incorporated a reference received by the Commission to review the law relating to the suppression of names and evidence.
The Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill, which reflected the Project’s final proposals, was introduced into Parliament in November 2010 and passed in October 2011. In its final stages in Parliament, the Bill was separated into a number of separate Acts. This includes the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, which contains the majority of the Project’s proposals.
References to the review in the media
NZ Herald 'Man admits to 22 up-skirt films' 30 October 2011
Scoop: Government secures wide support for criminal procedure bill 15 September 2011
NZLC R109 Suppressing Names and Evidence
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Buy Now: $20.00- publications@lawcom.govt.nz
- Tel: +64 (04) 473 3453
- Fax: +64 (04) 471 0959
Published 16 Nov 2009The Commission's latest report, reviewing the law relating to the suppression of information in criminal cases, has been tabled in Parliament. The report recommends that sections 138 - 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1985 be repealed, and replaced with a new statutory framework. In particular the Commission recommends that there should be a clearer statutory test for name suppression, with grounds specified in the legislation.
NZLC IP13 Suppressing Names and Evidence
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Available online only.Published 22 Dec 2008Suppressing Names and Evidence: Issues Paper
Published 22 December 2008
Suppressing Names and Evidence (NZLC IP 13, Wellington, 2008) is an Issues Paper which reviews sections 138 – 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1985, and identifies some issues that arise. The paper raises questions and options for discussion and comment.The Commission welcomes any comments or submissions on the Issues Paper, which is available by clicking on the heading above. The closing date for submissions is Friday 13 February 2009. Submissions should be directed to Rachel Hayward, Senior Legal and Policy Adviser, Law Commission, PO Box 2590, Wellington 6140, or by email to suppression@lawcom.govt.nz .The paper can be downloaded free from this website. Related to the Simplification of Criminal Procedure project.
Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill
Published 16 Nov 2010The Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill, which reflects the Project’s final proposals, was introduced into Parliament in November 2010.
Download Cabinet papers seeking approval to the Bill’s proposals
NZLC LP0 Criminal Procedure (Simplification)
Published 1 Dec 2009In December 2009, a Bill Plan was released for consultation that sets out the key proposals arising from the Simplification project. Submissions on the Bill Plan, and its accompanying Commentary, close on 1 March 2010. The Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill, which reflects the Project’s final proposals, was introduced into Parliament in November 2010
Press Releases
Release of Law Commission Report: Suppressing Names and Evidence
Published 16 Nov 2009The Law Commission’s Report 109, Suppressing Names and Evidence, was tabled in
Parliament today.Suppressing Names and Evidence
Published 22 Dec 2008