Project Overview
The purpose of the Evidence Law projects is to 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 particular, this project examines the entitlement in law to know one's accuser and the principle that no one may evade the law by threatening a witness.
The reference on evidence law 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 Commission examines the statutory and common law governing evidence in proceedings before courts and tribunals and makes 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.