Supreme Court of New Zealand

17 June 2008

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Lisa Kathryn Cropp v A Judicial Committee and Brian Francis McKenzie

(SC 68/2007 [2008])

PRESS SUMMARY

This summary is provided to assist in the understanding of the Court’s judgment. It does not comprise part of the reasons for that judgment.

The full judgment with reasons is the only authoritative document. The full text of the judgment and reasons can be found at www.courtsofnz.govt.nz.

The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed an appeal by Lisa Cropp challenging the validity of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Rules of Racing authorising random drug-testing of jockeys. The Court has held that s 29 of the Racing Act 2003 does authorise the rules under which Ms Cropp currently faces a charge relating to the alleged presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine in a urine sample she was required to supply at a race meeting at Te Rapa on 2 May 2005. The Court has found that the rules do not infringe the human rights of a jockey as recognised at common law or a jockey’s right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure as guaranteed by s 21 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

The hearing before a Judicial Committee established under the Racing Act has stood adjourned pending the result of Ms Cropp’s appeal.

[See... Judgment: SC_68_2007_Lisa_Cropp_v_McKenzie_.pdf]

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