15 Nov 2010

Criminal procedure reforms go before Cabinet

7:34 am on 15 November 2010

Cabinet is expected to sign-off on major reforms to the justice system, including changes to the threshold for jury trials.

The Government is describing the Criminal Procedures Reform and Modernisation Bill as the biggest change to criminal procedures in more than half a century.

The bill goes before Cabinet on Monday and is likely to be tabled in Parliament later in the week.

The 524-page bill is designed to free up court time and streamline court processes and is expected to result in fewer cases being heard before a jury.