Tuesday, 15 May 2007

Dunne disappointed at Justice Minister's inaction

United Future leader Peter Dunne says he's disappointed that Justice Minister Mark Burton seems blissfully unaware of public concern over the way evidence is presented in New Zealand courts, following the Privy Council's decision in the David Bain case.

Under questioning in Parliament today, Mr Burton ducked the issue by saying he couldn't comment on a case currently before the court.

"But what I and other MP's were raising was the very serious matter of how the police and prosecution seem to play the evidence game in major criminal cases, which results in juries not hearing all the facts and therefore being prevented from making a fair and proper decision," said Mr Dunne.

"As I said last week, Mr Bain's case is not an isolated example.

"In the last decade alone, similar allegations have swirled around such major cases as the Ellis case, the Haig case, the Dougherty case, the Watson case, and aspects of the recent Police rape trials - not to mention the Thomas case in the 1970s.

"The time has come to review both the rules of evidence and Court procedures in this regard, and the Law Commission would be the appropriate body to undertake this.

"I respect the integrity of our Courts, and am not seeking a witch-hunt, but I do think the cases I have referred to mean the Minister should be leaping into action and not hiding behind the skirts of the Crown Law Office," he said.

ENDS

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