Justice minister to attend international law conference

Amy Adams. Photo / supplied

Justice Minister Amy Adams is attending an international law conference in London alongside Justice Ministers and Attorney Generals from around the world this week.

The Global Law Summit, held from February 23 to 25, is a collaboration between the British Government, the City of London and the legal sector to mark the sealing of Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede in 1215.

While in London, Ms Adams will meet with key ministers in the British Government, including Home Secretary Theresa May, and Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Chris Grayling.

Ms Adams will also speak as part of a panel on the principles of Magna Carta.

Her speech will centre on New Zealand's experience in creating a more efficient justice system by modernising courts including speeding up justice by making better use of technology.

Magna Carta was one of the most important legal and constitutional documents in history, Ms Adams said.

"For the first time, basic rights were outlined and it was declared that no-one was above the law, including the King.

"It influenced the authors of the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its fundamental guarantee that no-one shall be imprisoned without the lawful judgment of their equals or in accordance with law remains a part of New Zealand law to this day."

The Summit will be attended by international Justice Ministers and Attorneys General, as well as judges, academics, lawyers and business people.

Around 2000 delegates were expected and speakers included Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, United Kingdom Supreme Court president Lord Neuberger and London Mayor Boris Johnson.