Richard Worth National Justice Spokesman

2 December 2003

Proposed community courts won't solve problems

The Government's planned community courts won't solve the problems facing our clogged justice system, says National's Justice spokesman Richard Worth.

He's commenting on the Law Commission's report, due for release in February, which will propose a new level of court to added to the current court structure.

"Adding yet another level will only add more cost and complexity to our legal system," says Mr Worth.

"It won't take the pressure off struggling district courts.

"It's Government mismanagement that's weighing down the system. We need more resources for the current courts and better case management, not more bureaucracy," says Mr Worth.

"We already have an effective system operating under the district courts - Justices of the Peace. They play an important role hearing minor summary criminal cases, as well as conducting preliminary hearings and hearings under the Bail Act.

"Labour is hell-bent on adding costs to the system without benefit. The Supreme Court was the start of that process, and the Law Commission's proposal will serve only to perpetuate that ideology," Mr Worth said.

Ends

© Scoop Media