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...
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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In 1997 the Law Commission recommended a simplified procedure for dealing with habeas corpus applications. Habeas Corpus: Procedure (NZLC R44, 1997) http://www.lawcom.govt.nz...
A review of maximum penalties contained in the five major criminal statutes (Crimes Act 1961, Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, Land Transport Act 1998, Arms Act 1983, and Summary Offences Act 1981) was commenced by the Commission. Changes were to be...
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...
The paper for this project was prepared by the Law Commission in response to the invitation implied in subsection (2) of section 28 of the Interpretation Act 1999, which refers to the liability of the Crown
This project discusses the absence of adequate safeguards for the protection of donors of enduring powers of attorney under the provisions of Part IX of the Protection of Personal Property Rights Act 1988.
The Arbitration Act 1996 is based on a statute recommended by the Law Commission in its report Arbitration. This project raises some specific (and important) problems identified in the operation of the Act. The Report suggests solutions to these...
This project examines the rule of law that no person acquitted of a crime can be prosecuted again for the same offence
This project addresses the Commission's concern about the relative lack of awareness of international law in New Zealand, and in particular of New Zealand’s international rights and obligations. It aims to contribute towards remedying this...
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.