This is the Commission's second report directly on matters pertaining to New Zealand's international obligations. The purpose of the project is assist members of Parliament and public with both broad background information and focused direction...
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 July 1996
Last updated 11 May 2015
The topic of this project has two related issues, each of fundamental importance to New Zealanders. One is whether New Zealand women are treated properly by the legal system. That raises in turn a second issue – whether the New Zealand citizen...
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 September 1996
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project considers the law of Parliamentary privilege in New Zealand.
Project status: Closed
Start date 04 March 1997
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project reports on the law which should govern the action to be taken in a national emergency. The First Report on Emergencies: Use of the armed forces (NZLC R12 1990) was largely implemented by the Defence Act 1990. The Final Report...
Project status: Closed
Start date 04 June 1997
Last updated 11 May 2015
The purpose of this project is to make the law and practice governing the remedy for unlawful detention known as habeas corpus clearer and more accessible, and to reform its procedures so as to increase its effectiveness in protecting the liberty...
Project status: Closed
Start date 03 March 1998
Last updated 11 May 2015
This purpose of this project is to advise whether compensation should be paid to those who have been wrongly prosecuted or convicted of an offence, and if so, to recommend a systematic basis upon which compensation may be determined and paid.
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 December 1998
Last updated 11 May 2015
The purpose of this project is to consider and report on the law affecting Maori fisheries.
Project status: Closed
Start date 04 May 1999
Last updated 11 May 2015
In 1989 the Law Commission was asked by the Minister of Justice to review procedure in criminal cases. The project is a continuing one. This particular part of the project considers issues surrounding juries in criminal trials. In 1995 we...
Project status: Closed
Start date 01 September 1999
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project sought to address issues in the Matrimonial Property Bill and the De Facto Relationships (Property) Bill introduced on 24 March 1998. The key issues were a) there were marked differences between the rights under the two bills of de...
Project status: Closed
Start date 09 December 1999
Last updated 11 May 2015
This project examines the rule of law that no person acquitted of a crime can be prosecuted again for the same offence