This project examines the rule of law that no person acquitted of a crime can be prosecuted again for the same offence
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 01 October 2000
Last updated 11 May 2015
The purpose of this project is to simplify the statutory provisions governing the laying of criminal charges and infringement offences and their progress through the court system to the point of determination, including appeals, so as to remove...
Project status: Closed
Start date 16 May 2001
Last updated 11 May 2015
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;...
Project status: Closed
Start date 23 May 2001
Last updated 11 May 2015
In NZLC R73 : Some Criminal Defences with Particular Reference to Battered Defendants we stated that we would issue a supplementary report on the onus and standard of proof as to disputed facts on sentence; in particular, as these might relate to...
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 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 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 01 October 2004
Last updated 11 May 2015
Further work on the partial defence of provocation following NZLC R73 Some Criminal Defences with Particular Reference to Battered Defendants has been undertaken. A final report was issued in September 2007 and submitted to the Government.
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 August 2006
Last updated 11 May 2015
This independent unit within the Commission drafted a comprehensive package of sentencing and parole guidelines for consideration by the Sentencing Council when it was established in 2008.