Law Commission President Douglas White says it is serendipitous that evidence experts from across Australasia are gathering for a conference just as the Commission commences its second review of the Evidence Act 2006’s operation.
A one-day conference and workshop on reforming the law of evidence being organised by Professor Elisabeth McDonald of Canterbury University is to be held at Victoria University of Wellington on 8 September.
Douglas White and Donna Buckingham will join many academics, lawyers and members of the judiciary to discuss the ten-year-old Evidence Act. The sessions in the draft programme will cover te ao Māori issues, veracity and propensity evidence, improperly obtained evidence, expert evidence, privilege, and the support of vulnerable witnesses.
"Our job is to consult with interested people, then come up with recommendations that make the law of evidence simpler, better and more accessible", says Douglas White. "Having so many people gathered in one place to discuss current issues and options for reform will add greatly to the value and comprehensiveness of our report."
Douglas White is encouraging people to register for the conference before 18 August, while early bird prices are still available.