Media Release
16 March 2004

Proposed Court System Wrong Says Jones

New Zealand First believes that taking away an individual’s right to have a trial by jury is unjust and goes against people’s fundamental right to a fair trial.

This is only one of many criticisms that New Zealand First has about the recommendations by the Law Commission released today.

”Citizens require all possible protection from potential malpractice by the state. Trial by jury gives them exactly that. It is unacceptable that this may be removed,” said courts spokesperson Dail Jones.

He is also concerned about the proposed court’s structure.

“The suggestion to have the District Court split into three courts; the Community Court, Primary Civil Court, and a Primary Criminal court seems to be a cumbersome and expensive solution to the current problems within the court system,” said Mr Jones.

“The public is already confused about how the court system works and the new recommendations will only confuse them further.

“On top of this, the three new courts would become part of the first tier of nine ‘primary courts’, all of which would be subject to supervision by the High Court.

“Confused? That is not surprising.

“The recommendations are ridiculous and New Zealand First is calling on the Government not to implement them,” said Mr Jones.

ENDS

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