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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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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...

First Review of the Evidence Act 2006

Project status: Closed Start date 28 February 2012 Last updated 22 February 2017

Section 202(1) of the Evidence Act required the Commission to report to the Minister of Justice on the following matters:
 (a) the operation of the provisions of the Act since its commencement;
(b) whether those provisions should be...

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...

Crown Proceedings Act 1950

Project status: Closed Start date 01 July 2011 Last updated 28 September 2016

The ability of citizens to bring civil legal proceedings against the Crown and its servants is an important part of New Zealand’s constitution, and is protected by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.  The Crown Proceedings Act 1950 is the...

Regulatory Gaps and the New Media

Project status: Closed Start date 13 October 2010 Last updated 11 May 2015

The Commission has undertaken a review of the current regulatory environment for the news media with respect to its adequacy in catering for new and emerging forms of news media – sometimes referred to as the “new media”.

 The 3 questions...

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.

Judicature Act 1908 and Consolidation of Courts Legislation

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

The Judicature Act 1908 is over one hundred years old and has been amended many times.   Many of the sections in the Act are outdated, and it contains “hidden” commercial law and judicial review provisions.  The focus of the Law Commission’s...

Burial and Cremation Law

Project status: Closed Start date 01 July 2010 Last updated 28 September 2016

On this project, the Law Commission undertook a first principles review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.  The Act’s primary purpose is to ensure provision is made for the burial of the dead in a controlled and respectful manner...

Incorporated Societies Act 1908

Project status: Closed Start date 01 June 2010 Last updated 11 May 2015

The Incorporated Societies Act 1908 is uncomfortably old and has been little amended since its enactment.  Yet the range of community organisations that use this legal form is extensive in New Zealand.  The focus of this review was on modernising...

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