Courts to try sitting for extended hours

The country's law courts could run extended hours into the early evening if a pilot programme in Auckland this year wins approval.

The Ministry of Justice plans a month-long trial in courthouses in Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau in an effort to make better use of court facilities.

The courts will open for business at 8.30am and close as late as 7pm. Hearings where judges sit will not be included but justice of the peace hearings, registrars' lists and tribunals will be take place during the extended hours.

The programme has been studied by a working committee including representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the police, justices of the peace, the Department of Corrections, the Legal Services Agency, the Public Service Association and Auckland lawyers.

However, the Auckland District Law Society said in its latest newsletter that when it asked for submissions from lawyers, it received only a limited response.

- NZPA