Project Overview
The Commission was asked to consider and report on whether existing legislation should be amended to cover the conduct of individuals that creates risk to, or public concern about, the preservation of public safety and security. The work is currently on hold.
In light of certain serious conduct brought to public attention by the Solicitor General’s decision of 12 November 2007, the Law Commission is asked:
(a) to consider and report on:
- whether existing legislation, including the Crimes Act 1962 and the Arms Act 1983, should be amended to cover the conduct of individuals that creates risk to, or public concern about, the preservation of public safety and security;
- the means of obtaining evidence in relation to that conduct, taking into account the need to balance protection of individual privacy with the effective detection and investigation of criminal offences, and the use of that evidence in proceedings for criminal offences; and
- such other related matters as the Law Commission considers appropriate; and
(b) to make recommendations on any changes to the law that may be necessary or
desirable.
In making its recommendations the Law Commission is required to take into account the need to ensure an appropriate balance between the preservation of public safety and security and the maintenance of individual rights and freedoms.