13 November, 2019
Criminal Cases Review Commission Bill
The Criminal Cases Review Commission Bill passed its final reading on 12 November 2019. It establishes the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) which has the power to review convictions and sentences and decide whether to refer them to the Court of Appeal or High Court as appropriate. New Zealand Bar Association Vice-President, Jonathan Eaton QC, says that the Commission is very important for Maori who are over-represented in our prisons and for those whose cases might not attract public interest. He describes it as an important access to justice initiative.
