Arthur Taylor defending himself in the Auckland High Court on charges relating to methamphetamine. New Zealand Herald photograph
High profile inmate Arthur William Taylor is set to take the Parole Board to court, alleging the handling of his most recent hearing was "biased".
Taylor has spent almost 40 years of his life behind bars.
The 60-year-old is serving a sentence of 17 years and six months for serious violent and drug-related offending.
Yesterday was his 18th appearance before the board and he was once again declined.
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'Jailhouse lawyer' Arthur Taylor denied parole for the 18th time
The Herald can reveal that Taylor is now seeking a judicial review of the proceedings.
He alleges the board, led by panel convener and Wellington lawyer Kathryn Snook, was "biased".
Taylor is also alleging "improper procedure".
A source told the Herald Taylor was taking legal action "to protect the integrity of the parole process".
Taylor claims there is "evidence of systemic failures" of the board when applying the test of whether an inmate would pose an undue risk to the community if release.
The Herald contacted the Parole Board for a response to the allegation and Taylor's court action.
A spokesman declined to comment.
A judicial review is a review by a judge of the High Court of a decision, proposed decision or refusal to exercise a power of decision to determine whether that decision or action is unauthorised or invalid.
The review process is a supervisory jurisdiction which is intended to reflect the role of the courts to supervise the exercise of power by those who hold it to ensure that it has been lawfully exercised.
Taylor is well known for his legal pursuits against New Zealand authorities.
In recent years he has been in the headlines for his role as a "jailhouse lawyer", taking a number of legal actions against the Department of Corrections, including challenging the legality of the prison smoking ban and inmates' voting rights.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.