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Youth 'scapegoats' for alcohol issue - lobbyist
An opponent of raising the drinking age says if John Key was 18 right now, he would be unlikely to support it.

Too drunk to walk? That'll be $250
Drunks could be charged $250 for a night in police cells or a ride home in a police car.

<i>John Armstrong:</i> Nats lose their political nerve over booze law
Party politics still rule when it comes to tangling with the vested interests of the liquor and hospitality industries.

Tui billboards headed for the axe
Irreverent Tui billboards will survive even if liquor laws are reviewed the way the Law Commission envisages: Yeah, Right.

Nationwide protests against surveillance bill
Opponents of the Search and Surveillance bill say it overturns important aspects of civil liberties.

Alcohol tax hike among likely reform recommendations
An increase in excise tax is among likely recommendations of a report into alcohol to be released next week, the Bill English says.

Govt considers national guidelines on child witnesses
A report on child witnesses in criminal courts has identified concerns about the systems aimed at protecting them.

Police back rise in drinking age
Police have said today they support proposals to increase the minimum drinking age and close bars earlier.

Techno fears drive spike in privacy complaints
Concerns about the implications of evolving technology are reflected in a spike in the number of complaints to the Privacy Commission.

Provocation defence repeal 'knee-jerk reaction'
Parliament's repeal of the use of provocation as a partial defence for murder does not have widespread support from the legal community.

Provocation defence abolished
The defence of provocation, which can be used to reduce murder to manslaughter, has been abolished.

Power seeks hard line on court secrecy for celebs
The Justice Minister wants to stop the emerging "special class" of high-profile people using their status to get name suppression.

Name suppression rules need changing - lawyers
Court proceedings should be more open and transparent, the Law Commission says.