9 May 2002

The Government mustn't ignore the issues raised in a Law Commission report, released today, on reforming the courts system, says National's Courts spokesperson Richard Worth.

"Access to justice is a fundamental principle of any judicial system but this report raises concerns that the courts system is not providing equal justice fairly. It talks of court fee increases delaying and denying access to the courts.

"The Minister for Courts seems implacably opposed to reversing his decision on court fee increases, despite pressures from the community to do so.

"A proposal to re-examine the jurisdiction of the District Court is timely, but we should be wary of embracing another level of court within what is already a multi-tier structure. There are significant costs in setting up new courts.

"I would rather see consideration given to increasing the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace within the existing court structure," says Mr Worth.

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