Project Overview
The purpose of this project is to make the law of evidence as clear, simple and accessible as practicable, and to facilitate the fair, just and speedy judicial resolution of disputes. In April 1991 the Law Commission published the first of a series of discussion papers on aspects of evidence law. This particular project considers documentary evidence and judicial notice.
The Law Commission’s reference on evidence has the following purpose:
To make the law of evidence as clear, simple and accessible as practicable, and to facilitate the fair, just and speedy judicial resolution of disputes.
With this purpose in mind the Law Commission is asked to examine the statutory and common law governing evidence in proceedings before courts and tribunals and make recommendations for its reform with a view to codification.
The evidence reference may be read together with the criminal procedure reference, the purpose of which is:
To devise a system of criminal procedure for New Zealand that will ensure the fair trial of persons accused of offences, protect the rights and freedoms of all persons suspected or accused of offences, and provide effective and efficient procedures for the investigation and prosecution of offences and the hearing of criminal cases.