Making the Case for Better Protecting Judicial Independence in New Zealand

Abstract

A case made for including a new part in the Judicature Modernisation Bill (NZ) to better protect judicial independence in New Zealand using the "entrenchment" model provided by section 268 of the Electoral Act 1993. The remarks also cover: strengthening the office of Chief Justice of New Zealand, opening up judicial appointments to the appellate courts to senior legal academics, raising the judicial retirement age to 75, and removing provisions currently in the Bill which would require, by statute, the publication of recusal guidelines, and details relating to reserved judgments.

Oral Submission (edited for SSRN publication)

The paper "Submission on the Judicature Modernisation Bill to the Justice & Electoral Committee of the New Zealand Parliament" to which this Supplement applies is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2400028

Keywords: Judiciary, New Zealand, Law reform