Hon Amy Adams
Minister of Justice
Minister for Courts
21June 2017
Contempt of court report welcomed
Justice Minister Amy Adams has today tabled the Law Commission’s report on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s contempt
of court laws.
“Contempt law is intended to protect the integrity of the justice system and maintain public confidence in the
administration of justice,” says Ms Adams.
“It helps to preserve a fair, impartial and effective justice system and safeguards a person’s right to a fair trial.
However our contempt law is widely considered to be vague in scope and, as it was developed prior to the digital age and
enactment of the Bill of Rights Act 1990, it has become out of date.”
Contempt rules are currently a mix of court decisions and various laws passed by Parliament. The Law Commission report
recommends putting most contempt law into statute so it is easier to find and understand. It would mean offences and
penalties for each kind of contempt would be clearly set out.
The report also proposes giving courts the power to make take down orders for material on the internet and social media
platforms that breach suppression orders.
Ms Adams says the Government will carefully consider the recommendations and respond in due course.
“The Law Commission’s proposals would affect a number of other laws and a range of people and organisations involved in
the court system, including judges, lawyers, media, defendants, victims, witnesses and court visitors. We need to
consider how these recommendations would work in practice so that any changes we make are effective and fair.”
The Law Commission’s report can be found here.
ends