Legal Milestone for NZDF
The Chief Justice swore in the Judges of the new Court Martial of New Zealand at the High Court in Wellington: (Back row, l to r): Judge Dawson, Judge Blackie, Judge Lovell-Smith, Judge Harvey, Judge Brewer. (Front row): Deputy Chief Judge of the Court Martial Cunnigham, Judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court McGregor, The Right Honourable Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias, Chief Judge of the Court Martial Hodson, Judge Johnson.
A new system of military justice has been introduced—as of 1 July—its purpose, to modernise and provide a fairer justice system for all military personnel. The NZDF recently marked this change to its military legal system (the biggest change in 25 years) with an official launch on 9 July and the formal swearing in of our Judges at the High Court.
The new system was introduced following a substantial review and NZDF commitment to having easy to understand, transparent and fair military justice. The Military Justice programme has introduced five key changes:
- Summary Trial system operating across all three services
- Right of appeal
- Availability of Summary Trial to all Senior Officers
- Permanent, independent Court Martial to replace the temporary Courts Martial
- Establishment of two new offences of negligence: negligently failing to perform a duty imposed by orders, training or custom, and negligently performing a duty imposed by orders, training or custom
Previous | Contents | Next