Latest from Ministry of Justice

Mum and Dad to decide if young Johnny gets booze
Under-18s wanting to drink at a private party will need their parents' permission and the host will need to police the level of drunkenness.

Fiji democracy group planning pirate radio
A pirate radio station plans to broadcast from international waters off the coast of Fiji.

More power for councils in battle against booze
Local councils will be given greater power to make decisions over alcohol in their communities under changes to be released tomorrow.

Changing court procedures won't work - Law Society
Calls to change procedures after a notorious killer was able to write a letter to a juror have been called into doubt by the Law Society.

Inquiry after killer writes to juror
Simon Power is considering whether jurors' addresses should ever be handed out, amid reports a convicted killer was able to contact a juror.

Alarm as notorious killer writes to juror
One of NZ's most notorious killers allegedly contacted a woman on the jury that found him guilty this month of kidnapping.

Black Power likely to buy back HQ
Black Power looks set to buy back a confiscated stronghold after the Government and Auckland City Council ruled out buying the property to keep it away from the gang.

Black Power regains control of cannabis HQ
A Black Power stronghold seized by police when a $1.5 million drug ring was smashed is now back in the hands of the gang.

Career criminal earned six-figure income in prison
One of NZ's most-notorious career criminals pulled in a six-figure income while in jail - then picked up legal aid as well.

Name lands NZ fishing rep in hot water with law again
Peter James Scott has again fallen foul of the authorities because he shares his name and birthday with a drug dealer.

Drunken youths in ER at rate of almost one a day
Drunk youths are turning up at Auckland emergency rooms at the rate of almost one a day, says the ADHB.

Government toughens up on knives
The Government is moving to increase maximum sentences for knife-related offences while beefing up education and placing restrictions on the sale of knives.

Parental law set to stop teen drinkers
The Government is considering making it unlawful for adults to give alcohol to young people without their parents' consent.

Cop backs calls to reopen Crewe case
A former detective on the Crewe double murder inquiry is backing calls for the unsolved case to be reopened.

No reason to reopen Crewe case, author says
There is no good reason to revisit the unsolved 1970 Crewe murder case, says the man who helped Arthur Allan Thomas win a pardon.