Published: 1 February 2018
Te Aka Kōrero
News from Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission
Should the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 affect creditors' right?
The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 gives each partner a right to share equally in the couple's relationship property. But what should happen if one partner's creditors also claims a right to the property? Whose should take priority – the creditors or the partners?
Column from the Minister Responsible for the Law Commission - Hon Andrew Little
"There are three pillars that have guided me through my role as a father, a politician, and now as a Minister; equality, fairness, and kindness. These values are what underpin the Sixth Labour Government, and what I believe are fundamental principles of our justice system."
Abandoned DNA
People leave DNA all over the place – on hairbrushes, coffee mugs and door handles. So what happens or what should happen when the Police want to use that DNA for an investigation.
Law Commission Legal and Policy adviser Clare Tattersall talks to us about the law on abandoned DNA in relation to criminal investigations.
Reviewing the Evidence Act 2006
The rules of evidence help courts determine proceedings fairly, justly and quickly. They are an integral part of the rule of law.
Robot cars, cricket bets and class actions: Law Commissions around the world
The Law Commission of England and Wales is developing legislation to promote safe use of driverless vehicles. The Guardian reports that the review "is likely to consider the difficult question of who is liable in an accident involving a driverless bus or car – the manufacturer, operator or other drivers".
Law Commission dispatches
Follow the link for a quick rundown of some of the key events and newsworthy stories from the Law Commission in recent months.
Knowledge vine inspires new Law Commission logo
The Law Commission is slowly integrating a new logo and design style into its work. The logo is inspired by the Commission's Māori name, Te Aka Matua o te Ture. In Māori mythology. Te Aka Matua refers to the parent vine that Tāwhaki used to climb up to the heavens to seek knowledge.