Two senior National Party figures were involved in plans to apply for a casino licence, an alleged conman says.

An attack on a young father who died after being stabbed took just minutes, witnesses told a court yesterday.

Hello Sailor frontman Graham Brazier has been back in court, accused of assaulting a woman.

The death of a New Zealand woman in Sydney is to be looked at by the coroner after a private investigation by her family.

Editorial: A financial penalty can bring as much public dishonour as a criminal conviction for an offending company or individual, and so it should.

The Law Commission has raised concerns that the increasing use of financial penalties to punish white-collar criminals means they are being treated more favourably.

A bill tightening bail laws for killers and repeat offenders is being toughened by making it harder for 18- and 19-year-olds to avoid custody.

Police officers who crossed a legal line to pursue gang members are the focus of an internal investigation which could lead to criminal charges.

The Minister of Justice will consider making domestic violence a standalone criminal offence, but it appears any changes would not be likely to happen any time soon.

It is time for an independent review of the way in which the NZ Police carry out search and surveillance operations against New Zealanders, wites Catriona MacClennan.

Matt McCarten looks at the line between those employed as public servants and their accountabilities.

For Justice Helen Winkelmann, the justice system is already open and responsive to criticism.

As Police Minister, Judith Collins made an ally of the metal crushers, took on the boy racers and won.

Despite being struck-off, embattled lawyer Barry Hart was back at the Auckland High Court today - this time fighting to keep the last of his rural properties from being sold by the bank.

Victim advocates are calling for changes to the three-strikes law to ensure offenders receive a warning for each crime they commit that is eligible under the law.

The Government has so far paid $400,000 to employ a Canadian judge to evaluate whether David Bain should receive compensation.

Mikayla Ziebe, 16, delivered more than 100 leaflets to Napier houses, accusing an elderly man of being a paedophile.

Disgraced lawyer Barry Hart has launched a fresh bid to continue his 46-year career - as it emerged his fleet of luxury cars had been seized by debt collectors.