The Govt is proposing to end the right of a defendant to elect trial by jury for about 80 offences, including smacking a child.

One of NZ's most notorious killers was released from prison yesterday and was later enjoying freedom on the balcony of his new Auckland home.

A new bill, signed off today, will likely result in savings of 450 court days each year, the Govt says.

David Tamihere was this morning released from prison after 20 years behind bars for the murders of Heidi Paakkonen and Urban Hoglin.

The Law Society has renewed its call to reinstate the partial defence of provocation following its successful use in the Bourke manslaughter case.

The Govt could set up a register of pecuniary interests for judges the same way MPs are required to in the wake of the Bill Wilson affair, the Attorney General has indicated.

Acting Attorney-General Judith Collins has defended her decision to accept the resignation of former Supreme Court judge Bill Wilson with a golden handshake.

An application by the former directors of failed finance company Capital + Merchant to have criminal charges against them annulled, has been thrown out of the Auckland District Court.

Convicted double murderer David Tamihere, who is soon to be released, deserved a retrial years ago, says his broadcaster brother John.

Radio Live host John Tamihere has defended the innocence of his brother, soon-to-be-released convicted double murderer David Tamihere, on his radio show today.

David Tamihere could have given his victims' families closure by revealing Heidi Paakkonen's body, a key witness in the case says.

David Tamihere will not have to reveal where Heidi Paakkonen's body is hidden when he is freed.

David Tamihere, who was convicted of the murder of two Swedish backpackers, has been granted parole after serving nearly 20 years in prison and will be released on November 15.

The Government has called for expressions of interest for design, construction and operation of a new privately run prison.

The Govt will amend the 'claim of right' defence successfully used by the men who damaged equipment at the Waihopai spy base.

A man who killed himself in police custody could have been saved if police had followed proper procedures, the IPCA finds.