Richard Cornes: Courts update has odd omissions
The Judicature Modernisation Bill had its second reading last week. Somehow it has not led the news, Dr Richard Cornes writes.
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Latest fromLaw Commission
Minister Amy Adams revives violence reforms
Justice Minister Amy Adams claims she has no plan to "charge off in a different direction" to her predecessor Judith Collins.
Sexual abuse court trials may be reviewed again
A move away from the adversarial court system for sexual and domestic violence may be back on the agenda after the resignation of former Justice Minister Judith Collins, a senior National MP says.
Nosy jurors face judges' wrath
Jurors who deliberately flout court rules to research cases online will face criminal conviction under proposed new laws.
Two lawyers struck off register
A lawyer with a poor disciplinary history, and one who filed fraudulent tax returns when working as an accountant, can no longer practice law in New Zealand.
Suicide reporting restrictions eased
Media will be able to report on some suicides more openly under new government proposals, which focus more narrowly on the publication of details most likely to cause harm.
Labour pledges to scrap requirement for veterans' pension
Labour says it will scrap a requirement for war veterans to be disabled before they receive a special pension if it gains power, a move already rejected by the Government because it would cost too much.
Dangers in reporting of suicides
When media report the method in which somebody ends their own life, it can result in copycat suicide, the Law Commission says.
Trust law change could aid IRD
A rejig of laws around trusts may aid the Inland Revenue Department and others who challenge the use of the structures to shield assets, the Law Commission says.
Govt acts on cyber bullies
Justice Minister Judith Collins is to outline new measures to curb cyber bullying within the next few weeks.
Editorial: Speed of justice cranking up
10 years ago, a Law Commission paper found our court system too slow, too costly and unhelpful. Today, there is still a long way to go - and modern technology must be harnessed to improve efficiency in black-and-white cases.
Editorial: Press freedom too important for politicians to regulate
Editorial: Newspapers around the world have been following Lord Justice Leveson's inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of Britain's press with close interest.
Editorial: State needs option of civil cases
Editorial: A financial penalty can bring as much public dishonour as a criminal conviction for an offending company or individual, and so it should.
Deep hurt left by cyber-trolls
When people post deliberately extreme comments from the anonymity of cyberspace, the effects can be devastating - and sometimes fatal.
Cell phone ban targets cyber bullying
A cell phone ban has helped reduce bullying and cut the number of student fights at a Wanganui high school.
Judges respond to critics
For Justice Helen Winkelmann, the justice system is already open and responsive to criticism.
Crusher Collins' eye on reform
As Police Minister, Judith Collins made an ally of the metal crushers, took on the boy racers and won.