Minister Kate Wilkinson said while opening the first reading debate on the Summary Proceedings Amendment-Bill (No-2) that the bill was to clarify a matter of law.

Ms Wilkinson said the bill makes sure certain offences regarding property of a value not exceeding $500 are treated as purely summary offences.

There had been a mistake in a rewrite of the law which meant some of those accused of these minor offences had a right to a jury trial when they were intended to be only heard by judge.

Some of the cases involving the offences heard by a judge since 2008 should have technically been held before a jury and could be challenged on those grounds, Ms Wilkinson said.

The current bill would be retrospective and validate those convictions handed down by judges.

Labour indicated it would support the bill.

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