Articles tagged with Courts

Defending Democracy: The Role of Courts in Upholding the People's Voice

1 week ago | 162 views

The speech delivered in the Oxford Union debate argues that courts are undermining democracy due to judicial overreach and challenges to popular will. It emphasizes the importance of democratic principles, separation of powers, and judicial independence in upholding the people's voice in governance. The speaker highlights concerns about judicial activism and the need for prudential leadership to ensure that laws are made by elected representatives, emphasizing the role of parliament as the voice of the people and the importance of defending democracy against current threats.

Tags: Democracy Courts Judicial Overreach Separation of Powers Leadership Judicial Independence New Zealand Parliament Aristotle Winston Churchill

2025 Court User Survey: Minister Nicole McKee Applauds Positive Feedback & System Improvements

2 weeks ago | 133 views

Courts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.

Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Court User Survey Justice System Government District Court Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court Safety Victims

Courts Minister Nicole McKee Celebrates 20% Drop in District Court Backlog, Delivering Faster Justice for Victims

2 weeks ago | 116 views

Courts Minister Nicole McKee is pleased with the 20% decrease in the backlog of criminal cases in the District Court since April 2023, equivalent to around 1,700 cases, under the government's efforts to prioritize timely justice for victims. The improvement is attributed to a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies and the judiciary, with initiatives like the District Court Timely Justice Programme enhancing court system efficiency and performance. The focus on reducing delays in court processes aligns with the government's commitment to providing faster access to justice and making a tangible impact on the criminal justice system.

Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee backlog criminal cases District Court victims justice sector judiciary Timely Justice Programme Chief District Court Judge

Government Updates Law for Court Technology Efficiency & Access

3 weeks ago | 149 views

Courts Minister Nicole McKee is updating the law to encourage the use of audio and audio-visual links (AVL) in courts for increased efficiency and improved access to justice. The new law will establish default appearance types for court events, promoting consistency in the use of remote participation. Additionally, the legislation will introduce new offences and penalties for unauthorized recordings of court proceedings to protect safety and fair trial rights.

Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee Government law court efficiency remote participation justice system Court Rules technology judiciary

Government's Focus on Faster Justice: Real Results in Civil Disputes, Family Wait Times

1 month ago | 180 views

Courts Minister Nicole McKee highlights the Government's focus on faster justice delivery, emphasizing the importance of reducing delays in resolving civil disputes and family wait times for coroners' findings. Significant progress has been made in various jurisdictions, such as the District Court, where active civil cases decreased by 20% and completed cases increased by 8%. The Disputes Tribunal also saw over 900 more cases completed in a year, with a 21% decrease in aged cases, while the Coroners Court reduced active cases by 15% through the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors.

Tags: Courts Minister Nicole McKee justice system District Court civil cases Disputes Tribunal Coroners Court associate coroners clinical advisors Ministry of Justice