The purpose of this project is to advice the Ministry of Justice on issues relating to Police search powers. The issues include: the power to obtain assistance orders for the search of computer systems; the power to use tracking devices, and;...
Our projects
Each project is an area of law or subject matter that the Law Commission has agreed to review. The Commission works on several projects at a time. Together, these projects make up the Commission's annual work programme.
Use the search filters below to find particular projects. For more information on how we work see how we conduct projects.
Project status
Areas of law
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Project status: Closed
Start date 16 May 2001
Last updated 11 May 2015
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 May 1994
Last updated 11 May 2015
The purpose of this project is to protect members of the public from substantial risk of harm from individuals whose release into the community would pose that risk. The project considers: relevant provisions in the Mental Health (Compulsory...
Project status: Closed
Start date 12 October 2006
Last updated 11 May 2015
In 2001 the Law Commission issued a study paper titled Simplification of Criminal Procedure Legislation: An Advisory Report to the Ministry of Justice (NZLC SP7). The government responded later that year, and agreed that the Law Commission’s...
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 June 2004
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project reviewed the principles and scope of infringements as a contribution to a major project by the Ministry of Justice, and proposed a framework for reform.
Project status: Closed
Start date 04 April 2003
Last updated 11 May 2015
A joint project with the Ministry of Justice describing and evaluating status hearings in the District Court. The study considers the purposes of status hearings, whether there is compliance with those purposes, whether there should be statutory...
Project status: Closed
Start date 13 September 2011
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project reviews the joint and several liability rule, and considers alternatives. The Commission carries out a broad review of the effects of the rule across all sectors.
The joint and several liability rule determines the liability...
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 July 2007
Last updated 11 May 2015
It has been more than 30 years since the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 was first enacted. The Act has been amended on numerous occasions and is complex and difficult to understand and navigate. The Act’s framework is based on the recommendations of...
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 December 2005
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project considered whether there is a need to establish a Sentencing Council in New Zealand, and whether parole should be reformed to ensure a closer relationship between the prison sentence imposed and time served.
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 October 2004
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project reviewed the criminal defence of insanity (section 23 of the Crimes Act 1961), and Ministerial release arrangements for patients detained on the grounds of insanity or unfitness to stand trial.A final report was published and tabled...
Project status: Closed
Start date 05 May 1999
Last updated 11 May 2015
The purpose of this project is to examine how the existing New Zealand law applies to those who commit criminal acts in circumstances where they are victims of domestic violence, in particular, the defences of self-defence, provocation, duress...