February 24, 2020 2:00pm by David Farrar

Good decisions from Little

Hamilton will be the headquarters for a new commission tasked with reviewing miscarriage of justice claims.
Justice Minister Andrew Little made the announcement on Friday and has appointed Colin Carruthers QC to head the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
Carruthers will serve as chief commissioner of the CCRC for 18 months.

Two really good decisions.

I think it is really important the Commission not be based in Wellington. That would increase the risk it is seen as part of the public service, and that it would get too close to the Ministry of Justice etc.

The appointment of Carruthers as Chief Commissioner is an excellent one. He is one of NZ’s top QCs and has huge experience both prosecuting and defending cases in court.

I’ve been a longtime supporter of NZ having such a Commission. Good to see it becoming a reality.