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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.

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Alternative approaches to abortion law

Project status: Closed Start date 27 February 2018 Last updated 30 August 2019

On 27 February 2018 the Minister of Justice wrote to the Law Commission noting the Government was considering how best to ensure New Zealand’s abortion laws are consistent with treating abortion as a health issue.

The Minister asked the...

The Use of DNA in Criminal Investigations

Project status: Closed Start date 27 July 2016 Last updated 25 May 2021

The forensic analysis of DNA is a powerful tool in solving crime. However, the use of DNA in criminal investigations also raises important legal and ethical issues.

In New Zealand the Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples) Act 1995...

Search & Surveillance Act 2012

Project status: Closed Start date 28 June 2016 Last updated 08 March 2023

The Law Commission and the Ministry of Justice conducted a review of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012, as is required by section 357 of that Act. The review was referred to us by the then Minister of Justice on 28 June 2016 and we jointly...

Creation of a separate crime of non-fatal strangulation

Project status: Closed Start date 15 July 2015 Last updated 12 October 2016

An element of the revised Law Commission work programme 2014/15 issued by the Minister of Justice included creation of a separate crime of non-fatal strangulation.

In its fourth Annual Report the Family Violence Death Review Committee...

Victims of family violence who commit homicide

Project status: Closed Start date 15 July 2015 Last updated 08 March 2023

In 2001 the Law Commission published a report examining the legal defences available to protect those who commit criminal offences as a reaction to domestic violence: “Some Criminal defences with Particular Reference to Battered Defendants”...

Protection of Classified and Security Sensitive Information

Project status: Closed Start date 01 December 2014 Last updated 22 February 2023

This project reviews the laws that determine how security sensitive information should be dealt with in court proceedings. The review looks at how to protect information that may prejudice New Zealand’s security. It also considers whether the...

Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters

Project status: Closed Start date 01 November 2013 Last updated 28 September 2016

This review covers the Extradition Act 1999 and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1992. These Acts provide a framework for formal assistance between New Zealand and foreign governments in the investigation and prosecution of crime. They...

Joint and Several Liability

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...

Credit (Repossession) Act 1997

Project status: Closed Start date 01 July 2010 Last updated 29 May 2015

The Law Commission has worked closely with the Ministry of Economic Development in a project to rewrite the Credit (Repossession) Act 1997, which has been found to have many practical difficulties with it.

Alternative Models for Prosecuting and Trying Criminal Cases

Project status: Closed Start date 01 July 2009 Last updated 15 June 2016

This project arose from the Commission’s recommendation in their Report, Disclosure to Court of Defendants’ Previous Convictions, Similar Offending, and Bad Character (R103, 2008). The Commission recommended that Government should...

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