Criminal Disclosure Act 2008

1: Title
This Act is the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008.
2: Commencement
1: This Act comes into force on a date to be appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
2: An order under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 2(1) brought into force 29 June 2009 clause 2 Criminal Disclosure Act Commencement Order 2009 Section 2(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Preliminary provisions
3: Purpose and overview
1: The purpose of this Act is to promote fair, effective, and efficient disclosure of relevant information between the prosecution and the defence, and by non-parties, for the purposes of criminal proceedings.
2: A general overview of the disclosure regime set out in this Act is set out in diagrammatic form below. Section 3(2) amended 14 November 2018 section 110 Courts Matters Act 2018 Section 3(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
4: Application of Act
1: This Act applies to all criminal proceedings that are commenced on or after the date on which this Act comes into force.
2: This section is subject to section 41
4A: Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA Section 4A inserted 28 November 2023 section 4 Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022
5: Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown. Interpretation provisions
6: Interpretation
1: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— brief of evidence
a: a written statement, whether signed or unsigned, made by a witness that is intended to be used by the prosecutor or the defendant for the purpose of a hearing or trial; and
b: a document prepared by the prosecutor or the defendant from a statement or statements made by a witness and that is intended to be used by the prosecutor or the defendant as the basis for eliciting the testimony of the witness at a hearing or trial child section 2(1) Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 counsel section 2(1) court section 7 criminal proceedings
a: means—
i: proceedings for an offence for which a conviction may be entered, or for an infringement offence; and
ii: proceedings before the Youth Court
b: includes any appeal against conviction or sentence; but
c: does not include—
i: any matter ancillary to proceedings (for example, an application for bail or an application for name suppression or an application under section 78 101 113A
ii: any proceedings under the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971 evidence in support of an alibi exhibit expert witness informant international organisation Judge section 7 national security interests section 4 prosecutor
a: any other employee of the person or agency by whom the prosecutor is employed who has responsibilities for any matter directly connected with the proceedings; and
b: any counsel representing the person who filed the charging document
c: in the case of a private prosecution, the person who filed the charging document publicly available information publicly available publication Registrar
a: means the Registrar of the court concerned; and
b: includes any Deputy Registrar of that court relevant section 8 working day section 5 young person section 2(1) Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
2: In this Act, a reference to information
a: in whatever form it is contained, for example, in a report, statement, list, or interview; and
b: in whatever medium it is recorded, for example, in hard copy, electronic form, or as a sound or visual recording.
3: To avoid doubt, and without limiting section 13(7) or a defendant to whom section 41 Section 6(1) child amended 14 July 2017 section 149 Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 Section 6(1) criminal proceedings amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016 Section 6(1) criminal proceedings amended 28 November 2023 section 5(1) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022 Section 6(1) criminal proceedings amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 6(1) defendant repealed 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 6(1) national security interests inserted 28 November 2023 section 5(2) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022 Section 6(1) prosecutor amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 6(1) prosecutor amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 6(1) publicly available publication replaced 1 December 2020 section 217 Privacy Act 2020 Section 6(1) working day inserted 1 July 2013 section 4 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2013 Section 6(1) young person amended 14 July 2017 section 149 Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 Section 6(3) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
7: Meaning of court and Judge
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— court Judge Section 7 replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
8: Meaning of relevant
In this Act, relevant
9: Time of commencement of criminal proceedings
For the purposes of this Act, criminal proceedings are commenced at the earliest of—
a: the service of a summons:
b: the first appearance of the defendant in court following his or her arrest, or in response to the filing of a charging document:
c: the date on which the defendant is granted bail under section 21
d: the filing of a notice of hearing under, or in accordance with, section 21(8) Section 9 replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 General provisions about disclosure of information
10: Service
1: Information required to be disclosed to, and any notice or application required to be given to or served on, any person under this Act may be given to or served on the person—
a: by personal delivery to that person or, if the person refuses to accept the document or notice, by bringing the document or notice to that person's attention; or
b: by post
2: Information required to be disclosed to, and any notice or application required to be given to or served on, a defendant under this Act may, if the defendant is represented by counsel, be given by any of the methods described in subsection (1) to the defendant's counsel.
3: Unless a person proves that, otherwise than through fault on the person’s part, it was not received, if information, a notice, or an application is sent—
a: by post, it will be treated as having been received by the person 5 working days after the day it is posted:
b: electronically, to a valid address,—
i: on a working day on or before 5 pm, it will be treated as having been received on that working day:
ii: after 5 pm on a working day or at any time on a non-working day, it will be treated as having been received on the next working day.
4: Information required to be disclosed under this Act may be disclosed in whatever form (including electronically) that the person disclosing the information holds it in at the time the obligation to disclose arises and that is readily accessible to the defendant. Section 10(1)(b) amended 14 November 2018 section 111(1) Courts Matters Act 2018 Section 10(3) replaced 14 November 2018 section 111(2) Courts Matters Act 2018
11: Exercise of defendant's rights and duties by defendant's counsel
1: A right or duty conferred on a defendant by this Act may be exercised or performed by counsel representing the defendant.
2: A notice or report purporting to be given under this Act on behalf of the defendant by his or her counsel is, unless the contrary is proved, deemed to be given with the authority of the defendant. Disclosure by prosecutor
12: Initial disclosure
1: At the commencement of criminal proceedings, or as soon as practicable after that time, and in any event not later than the applicable date, the prosecutor must disclose the following information to the defendant:
aa: a copy of the charging document; and
a: a summary that is sufficient to fairly inform the defendant of the facts on which it is alleged that an offence has been committed and the facts alleged against the defendant; and
b: a summary of the defendant's right to apply for further information under subsection (2)
c: the maximum penalty, and the minimum penalty (if one is provided for), for the offence; and
d: a list of the defendant's previous convictions that are known to the prosecutor; and
e: a list of any previous offences proved to have been committed by the defendant and of a kind to which section 284(1)(g) Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
2: At any time after criminal proceedings are commenced or, in the case of a child or young person who appears in the Youth Court
a: the names of any witnesses whom the prosecutor intends to call at the hearing or trial; and
b: a list of the exhibits that are proposed to be produced on behalf of the prosecution at the hearing or trial; and
c: a copy of all records of interviews with the defendant; and
d: a copy of all records of interviews of prosecution witnesses by a law enforcement officer that contain relevant information; and
e: a copy of job sheets and other notes of evidence completed or taken by a law enforcement officer that contain relevant information; and
f: a copy of any records of evidence produced by a testing device that contain relevant information; and
g: a copy of any diagrams and photographs made or taken by a law enforcement officer that contain relevant information and are intended to be introduced as evidence as part of the case for the prosecution; and
h: a video copy of any video interview with the defendant; and
i: a copy of relevant records concerning compliance with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
j: a copy of any statement made by, or record of an interview with, a co-defendant in any case where the defendants are to be proceeded against together for the same offence; and
k: a list of any information described in paragraphs (a) to (j) that the prosecutor refuses under section 15 16 17 18
i: the reason for the refusal; and
ii: if the defendant so requests, the grounds in support of that reason, unless the giving of those grounds would itself prejudice the interests protected by section 16 17 18 section 18
3: This section does not apply to a defendant who is charged with section 2(1) the Summary Proceedings Act 1957
4: In this section, applicable date
a: the date that is 15 working
b: in the case of a child or young person who is required to appear in the Youth Court
c: any later date that the court or Registrar allows, on application by the prosecutor, for the purposes of disclosure under this section. Section 12(1)(aa) inserted 1 July 2013 section 4 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 12(1)(b) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 12(1)(e) amended 14 July 2017 section 149 Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 Section 12(2) amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016 Section 12(3) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 12(4)(a) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 12(4)(b) amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016
13: Full disclosure
1: The prosecutor must disclose to the defendant the information described in subsection (2) as soon as is reasonably practicable after a defendant has pleaded not guilty.
2: The information referred to in subsection (1) is—
a: any relevant information, including, without limitation, the information ( standard information
b: a list of any relevant information that the prosecutor refuses under section 15 16 17 18
i: the reason for the refusal; and
ii: if the defendant so requests, the grounds in support of that reason, unless the giving of those grounds would itself prejudice the interests protected by section 16 17 18 section 18
3: The standard information referred to in subsection (2)(a) is—
a: a copy of any statement made by a prosecution witness; and
b: a copy of any brief of evidence that has been prepared in relation to a prosecution witness; and
c: the name and, if disclosure is authorised under section 17
i: any written account of the interview, whether signed or unsigned, and any other record of the interview; and
ii: any statement made to the prosecutor by the person; and
d: any convictions of a prosecution witness that are known to the prosecutor and that may affect the credibility of that witness; and
e: a list of all exhibits that the prosecutor proposes to have introduced as evidence as part of the case for the prosecution; and
f: a list of all relevant exhibits in the possession of the prosecutor that the prosecutor does not propose to have introduced as evidence; and
g: a copy of any information supplied to the prosecutor in connection with the case by any person or persons whom the prosecutor proposes to call to give evidence as an expert witness or witnesses; and
h: a copy of any relevant information supplied to the prosecutor by a person or persons whom the prosecutor considered calling to give evidence as an expert witness or witnesses, but elected not to do so.
4: The obligation to disclose information to the defendant under this section as soon as is reasonably practicable is subject to any order made under section 30 32
5: If information referred to in subsection (2) comes into the possession or control of the prosecutor, or is prepared in recorded form, after the prosecutor has disclosed information in accordance with subsection (1) and before the hearing or trial is completed, the prosecutor must disclose the information to the defendant as soon as is reasonably practicable.
6: The entitlement of a defendant to information under this section continues while the criminal proceedings are in progress (including any appeal against conviction) and during the period from the conviction until the expiry of the time for lodging an appeal against conviction.
7: To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to pleading not guilty includes—
a:
b: requesting a hearing in accordance with section 21(6) the Summary Proceedings Act 1957
c: denying the charge during any appearance before the Youth Court under Part 4 Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Section 13(1) replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 13(7)(a) repealed 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 13(7)(b) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 13(7)(c) amended 14 July 2017 section 149 Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017
14: Request for additional disclosure
1: At any time after the duty to make full disclosure has arisen under section 13
2: The prosecutor must disclose information requested by the defendant under subsection (1) unless—
a: the information is not relevant; or
b: the information may be withheld under section 15 16 17 18
c: the request appears to be frivolous or vexatious.
3: If a request under subsection (1) is declined by the prosecutor under subsection (2), the prosecutor must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after making the decision to decline the request, inform the defendant of that decision, together with—
a: the reason for the decision; and
b: if the defendant so requests, the grounds in support of that reason, unless the giving of those grounds would itself prejudice the interests protected by section 15 16 17 18 section 18
4: Nothing in this section limits the duty to disclose information under section 13
14A: Information relating to identification witnesses to be supplied to defendant
1: In this section, identification witness
2: Subject to subsection (3), at any time after a person has been charged with an offence, the prosecutor must, on request by or on behalf of that person, supply to that person—
a: the name and, if disclosure is authorised under section 17
b: a statement of any description of the offender given by each such witness to the Police or the prosecutor; and
c: a copy of any identikit picture or other drawing made by any such witness or from information supplied by that witness.
3: A Judge may, on the application of the prosecutor, make an order excusing the prosecutor from disclosing to the defendant any information referred to in subsection (2)(a), if the Judge is satisfied that the order is necessary to protect the identification witness or any other person. 1961 No 43 s 344C Section 14A inserted 1 July 2013 section 5 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
15: Prosecutor not required to record information or to obtain information for sole purpose of disclosure
1: Nothing in this Act requires a prosecutor to disclose information if, at the time a disclosure obligation would, but for this section, arise or at the time a request for disclosure is made, as the case may be,—
a: the prosecutor is not in possession or control of that information; or
b: the prosecutor does not hold the information in recorded form.
2: Nothing in this section limits section 13(5)
16: Reasons for withholding information
1: A prosecutor may withhold any information to which the defendant would otherwise be entitled under this Act if—
a: disclosure of the information is likely to prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences; or
b: disclosure of the information is likely to endanger the safety of any person; or
c: the information is—
i: material that is prepared by or for the prosecutor to assist the conduct of the hearing or trial; or
ii: a communication dealing with matters relating to the conduct of the prosecution and is between—
A: the prosecutor and another person employed by the same person or agency that employs the prosecutor; or
B: the prosecutor and any adviser to the prosecutor; or
iii: analytical or evaluative material prepared, in connection with an investigation that led to the defendant being charged, by a person employed by a person or agency for another person employed by that person or agency or for the prosecutor; or
d: the information is subject to sections 108 109
da: the information is subject to sections 109A 109B
e: the information is subject to a pre-trial witness anonymity order under section 110 section 112
f: the information is subject to section 16
g: disclosure of the information would be likely to prejudice national security interests; or
h: disclosure of the information would be likely to facilitate the commission of another offence; or
i: disclosure of the information would constitute contempt of court or contempt of the House of Representatives; or
j: the information could be withheld under any privilege applicable under the rules of evidence; or
k: disclosure of the information would be contrary to the provisions of any other enactment; or
l: the information is publicly available and it is reasonably practicable for the defendant to obtain the information from another source; or
m: the information has previously been made available to the defendant; or
n: the information does not exist or cannot be found; or
o: the information—
i: reflects on the credibility of a witness who is not to be called by the prosecutor to give evidence but who may be called by the defendant to give evidence; and
ii: is not for any other reason relevant.
2: If part only of the information may be withheld, the prosecutor must make the remainder of the information available if it is possible to protect the withheld information by deletion, summary, or otherwise.
3: If the prosecutor becomes aware that there has ceased to be any justification for withholding all or part of any information that has been withheld under this Act, the prosecutor must, if the criminal proceedings have not yet been completed, disclose that information to the defendant as soon as reasonably practicable. Section 16(1)(da) inserted 28 November 2023 section 6(1) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022 Section 16(1)(g) replaced 28 November 2023 section 6(2) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022
17: Restriction on disclosing address of witness or informant
1: This section applies to information that identifies, or that may lead to the identification of, the address of the place where a witness or informant lives (for example, his or her postal address, residential address, email address, fax number, or phone number).
2: The information may be disclosed to the defendant only
3: The court—
a: must not grant leave unless it is satisfied that the disclosure of the information is necessary in the interests of justice and outweighs any prejudice to the witness's or informant's interests, or any harm to the witness or informant, that is likely to be caused by the disclosure of the information; and
b: may, if it grants leave, impose conditions in relation to the disclosure of the information.
4: This section applies to an informant regardless of whether the prosecutor intends to call the informant as a witness.
5: Nothing in subsection (2) applies if it is necessary to disclose the information in the charge in order to ensure that the defendant is fully and fairly informed of the charge. Section 17(2) amended 1 July 2013 section 6(1) Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 17(5) inserted 1 July 2013 section 6(2) Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
18: Trade secrets may be withheld
1: The prosecutor may withhold any information to which the defendant would otherwise be entitled under this Act if disclosing the information—
a: would disclose a trade secret; or
b: would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied, or who is the subject of, the information.
2: Despite subsection (1), information must not be withheld under this section if, in the circumstances of the particular case, the interests in subsection (1) protected by the withholding of that information are outweighed by other considerations that make it desirable in the public interest to disclose the information.
3: In this section, trade secret section 230(2)
19: Inspection of exhibit by defendant
1: The prosecutor must, on request by the defendant,—
a: allow the defendant to inspect any exhibit in the possession or control of the prosecutor that is specified by the defendant and is referred to in a list of exhibits supplied under section 13(3)(e) or (f)
b: if that exhibit is reasonably capable of reproduction, disclose a copy of it to the defendant.
2: The inspection by the defendant under subsection (1) is subject to—
a: any conditions that the prosecutor considers necessary for the purpose of—
i: ensuring the security and integrity of the exhibit or otherwise maintaining its evidential value; and
ii: in the case of an exhibit needed for use on an ongoing basis for law enforcement purposes, ensuring that the exhibit can continue to be used on an ongoing basis for law enforcement purposes:
b: any conditions imposed by the court under section 31
3: The prosecutor may refuse to allow the defendant to inspect an exhibit if—
a: that exhibit is needed for use on an ongoing basis for enforcement purposes; and
b: the imposition of conditions under subsection (2)(a) would not enable the inspection to take place without prejudicing ongoing law enforcement. Disclosure by defendant
20: Notice to defendant of disclosure requirements in sections 22 and 23
The court or the Registrar must give written notice of the requirements of sections 22 23
a: if the defendant pleads not guilty; or
b: when the defendant, if he or she is a child or young person, makes a first appearance in the Youth Court Section 20 replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 20(b) amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016
21: Notice to defendant of disclosure requirement in section 176 of Summary Proceedings Act 1957
Section 21 repealed 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
22: Notice of alibi
1: If a defendant intends to adduce evidence in support of an alibi, the defendant must give written notice to the prosecutor of the particulars of the alibi.
2: The notice under subsection (1) must be given within 10 working days after the defendant is given notice under section 20
3: Without limiting subsection (1),—
a: the notice under subsection (1) must include the name and address of the witness or, if the name and address is not known to the defendant when the notice is given, any matter known by the defendant that might be of material assistance in finding that witness; or
b: if the name or the address is not included in the notice, the defendant must have, before giving the notice, taken all reasonable steps, and after giving the notice continue to take all reasonable steps, to ensure that the name and address is ascertained; or
c: if the name or the address is not included in the notice, but the defendant subsequently discovers the name or address or becomes aware of any other matter that might be of material assistance in finding the witness, the defendant must as soon as practicable give written notice of the name, address, or other information, as the case may require; or
d: if the defendant is notified by the prosecutor that the witness has not been traced by the name or at the address given, the defendant must as soon as practicable give written notice of any other matter known to the defendant that might be of material assistance in finding that witness or, on subsequently becoming aware of any such matter, give written notice of it as soon as practicable.
4: Section 22(2) replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 22(4) repealed 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
23: Disclosure by defendant of evidence to be given by expert witness
1: If a defendant proposes to call a person as an expert witness, the defendant must, at least 10 working days before the date fixed for the defendant's
a: any brief of evidence to be given, or any report provided by that witness; or
b: if that brief or any such report is not then available, a summary of the evidence to be given and the conclusions of any report to be provided.
2: Where the defendant, under subsection (1)(b), provides only a summary of evidence to be given or conclusions of any report to be presented, the defendant must disclose to the prosecutor the brief of evidence to be given or the report provided by that witness as soon as possible after it becomes available. Section 23(1) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Disclosure by non-parties
24: Application for non-party disclosure hearing
1: This section applies at any time after the defendant has—
a: pleaded not guilty; or
b: in the case of a child or young person, made a first appearance in the Youth Court
2: The defendant may apply to the court for an order granting a hearing to determine whether information that is held by a person or agency other than the prosecutor should be disclosed to the defendant.
3: The application must—
a: describe with as much particularity as possible the information that the defendant seeks to have disclosed, and state the name of the person or agency that the defendant alleges holds the information; and
b: set out the grounds on which the defendant relies to establish that the information is relevant; and
c: contain written evidence indicating that the defendant has made reasonable efforts to obtain the information from the person or agency that the defendant alleges holds the information.
4: The defendant must give a copy of the application to the prosecutor, and the prosecutor must be allowed a reasonable time to make written submissions to the court concerning the application.
5: The court may seek and consider written submissions from the person or agency that the defendant alleges holds the information or any other person or agency that the court believes would have knowledge of the existence of the information, its whereabouts, and its likely relevance to the proceedings. Section 24(1) replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 24(1)(b) amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016
25: Determination of application for non-party disclosure hearing
If a defendant makes an application in accordance with section 24
a: it is satisfied that all or part of the information that the defendant seeks—
i: is likely to be held by the person or agency that the defendant alleges holds the information; or
ii: is likely to be held by another person or agency; and
b: all or part of the information appears to the court to be relevant.
26: Service of application and summons if application for hearing granted
1: If an application for a non-party disclosure hearing is granted under section 25 5 working section 27
a: serve on the person or agency referred to in the application under section 24
i: a copy of the application; and
ii: a summons under section 160
iii: a copy of the order made by the court under section 25
b: serve the application on the prosecutor and on any other person to whom, to the knowledge of the defendant or the Registrar, the information relates.
2: The Judge who granted the application under section 25 section 27
3: The summons referred to in subsection (1)(a)(ii) must—
a: require the attendance of the person, or a representative of the agency, that allegedly holds or may hold the information at a particular court at a particular time; and
b: describe the relevant material with as much particularity as possible, and require the person to bring the material to the court. Section 26(1) amended 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 26(1)(a)(ii) replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011
26A: Procedure if Judge subsequently satisfied that another person holds information sought
1: If an application for a non-party section 25(a)(i)
a: order that a copy of the application be served on that person or agency; and
b: adjourn the proceedings for that purpose.
2: If the Judge makes an order under subsection (1), sections 26(3) 27 29 Section 26A renumbered 28 November 2023 section 8(2) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022 Section 26A(1) amended 28 November 2023 section 8(1) Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022
26B: National security interests: notification and hearing when non-party is Crown
1: This section applies in relation to a non-party disclosure hearing granted under section 25
a: is served with the application for the hearing under section 26(1) or (2) 26A
b: is satisfied that disclosure of all or part of the information sought by the defendant should be refused because its disclosure would be likely to prejudice national security interests.
2: As soon as practicable after being served with the application, the Crown must notify the court before which the proceedings are being conducted that the Crown—
a: has been served with the application; and
b: is satisfied of the matter referred to in subsection (1)(b).
3: The non-party disclosure hearing must be conducted by the High Court.
4: The non-party disclosure hearing is a specified proceeding for the purposes of the Security Information in Proceedings Act 2022 Part 2
5: In this section, Crown
a: the Crown (within the meaning of section 4
b: a Crown agent (within the meaning of section 10(1) Section 26B inserted 28 November 2023 section 7 Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022
27: Non-party disclosure hearing
1: The following persons may call evidence or make submissions in any non-party disclosure hearing:
a: the prosecutor:
b: the defendant:
c: the person or agency who the defendant alleges holds the information sought by the defendant:
d: any person or agency who has been served with a copy of the application under section 26(1) or (2)
e: with the leave of the court, any other person who may be affected by, or have an interest in, any order that the court may make under section 29
2: The Judge may, if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, examine the information in the possession of—
a: the person or agency from whom the information is sought; or
b: any other person or agency who holds the information sought, or part of it.
3: The Judge may, if he or she considers that there are special circumstances that warrant it, and on such conditions as he or she directs, permit the prosecutor and, if appropriate, the defendant to view the information—
a: for the purpose of arguing the application; and
b: in order to assist the court in determining whether the information should be disclosed.
4: The following persons are not compellable as witnesses at the hearing, and no order for costs may be made against any of them:
a: the person, or any representative of the agency, from whom information is sought:
b: any other person who may be affected by any order that the court may make under section 29
5: The hearing conducted under this section must not be open to the public.
29: Determination of court following non-party disclosure hearing
1: After the hearing under section 27
a: the information or part of it is relevant; and
b: the disclosure of the information or part of it is necessary in the public interest.
2: The Judge may refuse to order disclosure of the information, or part of it, if the Judge is satisfied that—
a: any of the reasons described in section 16 18
b: the application of section 17
3: In addition to subsections (1) and (2), in determining whether to order the disclosure of the information or part of the information to the defendant, the Judge must take into account—
a: the extent to which the information will assist the defendant to properly defend the charge; and
b: the probative value of the information; and
c: the nature and extent of any reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to the information, including any expectation of the person to whom the information relates; and
d: the effect of the determination on the fairness of the trial or hearing process.
4: If the Judge orders the disclosure of the information or part of the information to the defendant, the Judge may impose conditions on the disclosure to protect the public interest and, to the greatest extent possible, any privacy interests of any person to whom the information relates, including, for example, any of the following conditions:
a: that the information be edited as directed by the Judge:
b: that a copy of the information, rather than the original, be disclosed:
c: that the defendant not disclose the information to any other person, except with the approval of the court:
d: that the information be disclosed only to counsel for the defendant and not to the defendant himself or herself:
e: that no copies of the information be made, or that restrictions be imposed on the number of copies of the information that may be made:
f: that details relating to any named person in the information, such as the person's address, telephone number, or place of employment, not be disclosed.
5: If any information is disclosed under this section to the defendant's counsel and, before the proceedings are determined, that counsel ceases to act for the defendant, the counsel must return the information and any copies of it in the possession of the defendant or the defendant's counsel to the court or Registrar, together with a declaration that those copies have been returned.
6: If any person fails to comply with subsection (5) without reasonable excuse the court may, on its own motion or on the application of the prosecutor, deal with the failure under subpart 4
6A: See Criminal Procedure Act 2011
a: section 147A
b: section 146A section 30 Section 29(6) amended 26 August 2020 section 29 Contempt of Court Act 2019 Section 29(6A) inserted 28 November 2023 section 9 Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022 General powers of courts in relation to disclosure
30: Court order for disclosure of information
1: The defendant may apply to the court for an order that a particular item of information or type of information in the possession or control of the prosecutor be disclosed on the grounds that—
a: the defendant is entitled to the information under section 12 13 14
i: the prosecutor failed to disclose the information; or
ii: the prosecutor refused under section 14 16 17 18
A: none of the reasons described in section 16 17 18
B: in the case of a refusal under section 17
C: in the case of a refusal under section 18
b: even though the information may be withheld under this Act, the interests protected by the withholding of that information are outweighed by other considerations that make it desirable, in the public interest, to disclose the information.
2: If the court is satisfied, on an application made under this section, that the defendant is entitled to the disclosure of any particular item of information or type of information, or that any particular item of information or type of information should be disclosed to the defendant under subsection (1)(b), the court may order that the item or type of information be disclosed to the defendant.
3: An order made under this section may be made subject to any conditions that the court considers appropriate.
30A: National security interests: application for order under section 30
1: This section applies to an application for an order under section 30 section 16(1)(g)
2: The defendant may only make the application to the High Court.
3: The prosecutor must notify the Solicitor-General as soon as practicable after becoming aware that the defendant has made the application.
4: The non-party disclosure hearing is a specified proceeding for the purposes of the Security Information in Proceedings Act 2022 Part 2
5: See Criminal Procedure Act 2011 section 30
a: section 146A
b: section 147A Section 30A inserted 28 November 2023 section 10 Security Information in Proceedings (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2022
31: Court order setting conditions for inspection of exhibit
1: The prosecutor or the defendant may apply to the court or the Registrar for an order as to—
a: whether a particular exhibit or exhibits may be inspected by a defendant under this Act or in accordance with an order under this Act:
b: the conditions that will apply to the inspection of a particular exhibit or exhibits by the defendant under this Act or in accordance with an order made under this Act.
2: In determining whether to permit inspection or in determining the conditions of inspection, the court or the Registrar must have regard to—
a: the public interest; and
b: ensuring the security and integrity of the exhibit and otherwise maintaining its evidential value; and
c: in the case of an exhibit needed for use on an ongoing basis for law enforcement purposes, ensuring that the exhibit can continue to be used on an ongoing basis for law enforcement purposes. General provisions
32: Court may make orders setting out timetable for disclosure
1: At any time after the duty to provide full disclosure of information has arisen under section 13
2: If a non-party disclosure order has been made under section 29
3: If the defendant or the prosecutor or a non-party fails to comply with directions given under this section, the court or the Registrar may, on the court's or the Registrar's own motion or on the application by the prosecutor or the defendant,—
a: give further directions; or
b: if the court is satisfied that there is no reasonable excuse for the failure to comply, deal with the failure under subpart 4
4: Subsection (3) does not limit the powers of a court under any other enactment or rule of law to deal with any failure by a prosecutor or defendant or a non-party to comply with the directions of the court under this section. Section 32(3)(b) amended 26 August 2020 section 29 Contempt of Court Act 2019
33: Appeals
1: The prosecutor or the defendant may appeal against a decision of a court under section 30 31
2: The defendant or the prosecutor or a non-party may appeal against a decision of a court under section 29
3: An appeal under this section—
a: may be made to the Court of Appeal with the leave of that court, or to the Supreme Court with the leave of that court, if the order was made by—
i: the High Court; or
ii: the District Court
b: may, in any other case, be made to the High Court with the leave of that court.
3A: For the purposes of subsection (3), if a defendant elected a jury trial but subsequently withdrew his or her election before trial,—
a: the defendant must be treated as if he or she had not elected a jury trial; but
b: any appeal commenced before the date on which the defendant withdrew his or her election must be determined by the appeal court that had jurisdiction to determine the appeal at the time it was commenced.
4: Subpart 2
5: Despite subpart 2
a: a notice of application for leave to appeal to the High Court must be filed within 3 working days after the date of the decision to which the appeal relates:
b: a notice of application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court must be filed within 10 working days after the date of the decision to which the appeal relates. Section 33(3) replaced 1 July 2013 section 5(1) Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2013 Section 33(3)(a)(ii) amended 1 March 2017 section 261 District Court Act 2016 Section 33(3A) inserted 14 November 2018 section 112 Courts Matters Act 2018 Section 33(4) replaced 1 July 2013 section 5(2) Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2013 Section 33(5) replaced 1 July 2013 section 5(2) Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2013
34: Undisclosed information
1: This section applies if, at the hearing or trial of a defendant, the court is satisfied that—
a: evidence sought to be adduced by a party is, or is based on, information that should have been disclosed to the other party under this Act; and
b: that information was not disclosed.
2: The court may—
a: exclude the evidence; or
b: with or without requiring the evidence to be disclosed, adjourn the hearing or trial; or
c: admit the evidence if it is in the interests of justice to do so.
3: The court—
a: must not order the exclusion of evidence sought to be adduced by the defendant (whether of an alibi, as expert evidence, or otherwise) if it appears to the court that the defendant was not given notice in accordance with this Act of the requirements of this Act; but
b: if paragraph (a) applies, must adjourn the hearing if the prosecution requests an adjournment.
4: Subject to subsection (3), subsection (2) does not limit the powers of a court under any other enactment or rule of law to deal with any failure by a party to comply with the directions of the court under this Act.
34A: Information disclosed late by defendant
The court may adjourn the trial if it is satisfied that evidence sought to be adduced by the defendant is, or is based on,—
a: information of a kind to which section 22 ; or
b: information of a kind to which section 23 Section 34A inserted 1 July 2013 section 7 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 34A(a) amended 1 July 2013 section 6 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2013 Miscellaneous provisions
35: Certain applications must be on notice
1: A copy of an application made by the prosecutor under section 31 32
2: A copy of an application made by the defendant under section 30 31 32
36: Regulations
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
a: prescribing the procedure for the service of notices and other documents for the purposes of this Act:
b: prescribing forms for the purposes of this Act:
c: providing for any other matters contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect.
2: Regulations under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 The following table is small in size and has 3 columns that are grouped under the heading Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section. Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette LA19 s 69(1)(c) Presentation The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives LA19 s 114 cl 32(1)(a) Disallowance It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115 116 This note is not part of the Act. Section 36(2) inserted 28 October 2021 section 3 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 Amendments to other enactments
37: Amendment to Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
Section 17
da: that the request is made by a defendant or person acting on behalf of a defendant and is—
i: for information that could be sought by the defendant under the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008; or
ii: for information that could be sought by the defendant under that Act and that has been disclosed to, or withheld from, the defendant under that Act: OIC SR 2009/ 130 2009-06-29 Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
38: Amendment to Official Information Act 1982
Section 18
da: that the request is made by a defendant or a person acting on behalf of a defendant and is—
i: for information that could be sought by the defendant under the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008; or
ii: for information that could be sought by the defendant under that Act and that has been disclosed to, or withheld from, the defendant under that Act: OIC SR 2009/130 2009-06-29 Official Information Act 1982
39: Amendments to Privacy Act 1993
1: Section 29(1)
ia: the request is made by a defendant or a defendant's agent and is—
i: for information that could be sought by the defendant under the Criminal Disclosure Act 2008; or
ii: for information that could be sought by the defendant under that Act and that has been disclosed to, or withheld from, the defendant under that Act; or
2: Section 31 OIC SR 2009/130 2009-06-29 Privacy Act 1993
40: Other amendments and repeals
1: The enactments specified in Schedule 1 OIC SR 2009/130 2009-06-29 Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 Crimes Act 1961 Summary Proceedings Act 1957
2: The enactments specified in Schedule 2 Transitional and savings provisions
41: Transitional provision
1: Criminal proceedings commenced before the date on which this Act comes into force continue as if this Act had not been enacted.
2: Despite subsection (1), if the prosecutor and the defendant agree, by notice in writing lodged with the court, criminal proceedings commenced before the date on which this Act comes into force continue subject to the requirements of this Act and the enactments specified in Schedules 1 2
3: If there is an agreement under subsection (2), any obligation under this Act that would (had the proceedings been conducted subject to the requirements of this Act from its commencement) already have fallen due before the date of the agreement, falls due at the date of the agreement (if that obligation has not already been complied with).
4: Until the commencement of sections 108 109 section 16(1)(d) sections 108 and 109 of the Evidence Act 2006 section 13A of the Evidence Act 1908
5: Until the commencement of sections 110 112 section 16(1)(e) section 110 of the Evidence Act 2006 or a witness anonymity order under section 112 of the Evidence Act 2006 section 13B of the Evidence Act 1908 or a witness anonymity order under section 13C of the Evidence Act 1908
42: This Act not to limit or affect other enactments relating to availability of information
1: Except as expressly provided in this or any other enactment, nothing in this Act limits or affects any provision in any other enactment that—
a: authorises or requires any information to be made available; or
b: imposes a prohibition or restriction in relation to the availability of any information; or
c: regulates the manner in which any information may be obtained or made available.
2: Without limiting subsection (1), nothing in this Act applies in respect of any video record made under the Evidence (Video Records and Very Young Children’s Evidence) Regulations 2023 Section 42(2) replaced 1 July 2013 section 8 Criminal Disclosure Amendment Act 2011 Section 42(2) editorial change 8 May 2025 sections 86(1) 87(o) Legislation Act 2019


1: Title
This Act is the District Courts Amendment Act (No 2) 2008.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
3: Principal Act amended
This Act amends the District Courts Act 1947 2008-06-26 District Courts Act 1947
4: Extent of jurisdiction under Part 2A of this Act
1: Section 28A
1: A Court that is sitting at a place appointed under section 4(2A) and is presided over by a trial Judge has jurisdiction under this Part in respect of the following offences:
a: any offence for which the accused elects under section 66 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 to be tried by a jury:
b: all indictable offences under any enactment (other than the offences referred to in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 1A):
c: the indictable offences referred to in Part 1 of Schedule 1A, in any case where—
i: the proceedings are transferred to the Court under section 168AA of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; or
ii: a person pleads guilty under section 153A or 168 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957, before he or she is committed for trial or sentence for any such offence:
d: conspiring to commit an indictable offence to which paragraph (b) or (c) applies:
e: attempting to commit an indictable offence to which paragraph (b) or (c) applies, or inciting or counselling or attempting to procure any person to commit any such offence, which is not committed:
f: being an accessory after the fact to any indictable offence to which paragraph (b) or (c) applies.
2: Section 28A(2) paragraphs (d), (f), (g), and (h) paragraphs (c) to (f)
3: Section 153A(6)(a)
i: the defendant elected under section 66 to be tried by a jury; or
ii: the offence is an indictable offence under any enactment (other than an offence referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 1A of the District Courts Act 1947); or
iii: the offence is an offence to which section 28A(1)(d), (e), or (f) of the District Courts Act 1947 applies,— .
4: Section 168A(1)(a) paragraphs (a) to (d) of section 28A(1) of the District Courts Act 1947 paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) to (f) of section 28A(1) of the District Courts Act 1947
5: Section 168AA(1) Part 2 Part 1 2008-06-26 Summary Proceedings Act 1957
5: Maximum sentences
Section 28F(3)
a: a person pleads guilty under section 153A or 168 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957, before or during the preliminary hearing, to—
i: any offence for which the accused elects trial by jury under section 66 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; or
ii: any indictable offence under any enactment (other than the offences referred to in Part 2 of Schedule 1A); or
iii: any offence to which section 28A(1)(d), (e), or (f) applies; and .
6: Appeal against sentence
Section 28H
2: If this section applies, then,—
a: in any case where the sentence imposed exceeds the maximum term of imprisonment or the maximum fine that may be imposed by a District Court Judge under section 7 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (which is a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both),—
i: the person sentenced may appeal to the Court of Appeal under section 383(1A) of the Crimes Act 1961; and
ii: the Solicitor-General may appeal, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, to the Court of Appeal under section 383(2A) of the Crimes Act 1961; and
b: in any other case,—
i: the person sentenced may appeal to the High Court under section 115(2A) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; and
ii: the informant, with the consent of the Solicitor-General given under section 115A(2) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957, may appeal against the sentence to the High Court under section 115A(1A) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957.
2A: This section is subject to section 384A of the Crimes Act 1961.
7: Regulations
Section 123(1)
bf: amending Schedule 1A by adding offences to, or removing offences from, Part 1 or Part 2 of that schedule:
bg: prescribing transitional arrangements for the trial and sentencing of persons charged with offences that are added to or removed from Part 1 or Part 2 of Schedule 1A: .
8: New Schedule 1A substituted
Schedule 1A Schedule
9: Transitional provision
1: Subsection (2) applies to any offence that—
a: before the commencement of the District Courts Amendment Act (No 2) 2008
b: after the commencement of the District Courts Amendment Act (No 2) 2008 Summary Proceedings Act 1957
2: If a defendant is committed for trial before the commencement of the District Courts Amendment Act (No 2) 2008
3: This section does not affect the application of the Interpretation Act 1999 District Courts Amendment Act (No 2) 2008


Juries Amendment Act 2008

1: Title
This Act is the Juries Amendment Act 2008.
2: Commencement
1: This Act (except sections 4 11 12 19
2: Sections 4 11 12 19 Section 2(2) brought into force 29 June 2009 Juries Amendment Act 2008 Commencement Order 2009 Section 2(2) brought into force 4 October 2010 Juries Amendment Act 2008 Commencement Order 2010
3: Principal Act amended
This Act amends the Juries Act 1981 2008-12-25 Juries Act 1981 — except ss 4, 11, 12, 19 OIC SR 2010/229 2010-10-04 ss 4, 11, 12 OIC — SR 2009/129 2009-06-29 Juries Act 1981 Section 19 of this Act
4: Jury districts
1AA: Section 5(1) (in this section referred to as a High Court jury district)
1: Section 5
3: Every jury district comprises every place that is within—
a: 45 km by the most practicable route from the courthouse in the Court town in which jury trials may be held; and
b:
2: Section 5(4) , or subsection (3) and subsection (3A)
3: Section 5
4: If, by virtue of subsection (3), a place would be in 2 or more jury districts (both or all of which are High Court jury districts, or both or all of which are District Court jury districts), the boundaries of each of those districts must be declared by the Governor-General, by notice in the Gazette
a: no place is included in 2 or more jury districts; and
b: no place included in a jury district for a Court town is more than 45 km by the most practicable route from the courthouse in that town.
4: Section 16A
3: No person is required to attend for jury service at the new venue if that venue is outside the jury district and is more than 45 km by the most practicable route from that person's place of residence.
5: The Juries Amendment Act 2001 OIC SR 2010/229 2010-10-04 Juries Amendment Act 2001 Section 4(1AA) inserted 7 July 2010 section 4(1) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010 Section 4(1) amended 7 July 2010 section 4(2) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010 Section 4(3) substituted 7 July 2010 section 4(3) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010
5: Transitional provision
1: For the following purposes the amendments made by section 4 commencement
a: the constitution of jury districts for use on and after the commencement:
b: the preparation of new jury lists for use on and after the commencement.
2: Nothing in section 4
a: a jury list or jury panel that was prepared and in use immediately before the commencement:
b: the composition of any jury that was constituted before the commencement and continued to serve on or after that date:
c: the composition of any jury that was constituted after the commencement from a jury list that was prepared and in use immediately before that date:
d: a summons that was issued under the principal Act before the commencement, and is intended to continue to have effect on or after that date.
6: Certain persons not to serve
1: Section 8
aa: the Governor-General: .
2: Section 8(f) Law Practitioners Act 1955 Law Practitioners Act 1982
3: Section 8
haa: employees of the Legal Services Agency continued by section 91 of the Legal Services Act 2000 (but nothing in this paragraph applies to members of—
i: the Board of that Agency; or
ii: the Review Panel established under section 62 of that Act; or
iii: the Public Advisory Committee established under Part 7 of that Act): .
7: Access to, and confidentiality of, jury lists
Section 12(2)(b) Registrar's Court registry
8: Registrar may amend jury list
Section 12A(1)
da: an applicant for deferral of jury service, under section 14B, whose application has been accepted but who has not yet been issued with a replacement summons under section 14C(1)(d); or .
9: Inspection of jury panel
1: Section 14
1: The Registrar must comply with a request to make a copy of a panel available for inspection by or on behalf of an eligible person if the request is made—
a: by or on behalf of that eligible person; and
b: at a time not earlier than 7 days before the commencement of the week for which the jurors on the panel are summoned to attend for jury service.
1A: In subsection (1), eligible person
a: a barrister or solicitor acting for a party to proceedings that are due to be heard during the week for which the jurors on the panel are summoned to attend for jury service; or
b: a person who is a party to proceedings that are due to be heard during that week and who is not represented by a barrister or solicitor; or
c: the Crown or other prosecutor in criminal proceedings that are due to be heard during that week; or
d: a member of the police.
2: Section 14(3)
10: New section 14A inserted
The following section is inserted after section 14
14A: Restrictions on use of jury panel
1: The purpose of this section is to help to prevent names or other information disclosed in a copy of the panel from being used to facilitate actions (for example, actions prejudicing a juror's safety or security) to interfere with the performance of a juror's duties.
2: A barrister or solicitor to whom a copy of the panel is made available under section 14(1) because the barrister or solicitor is acting for a party to criminal proceedings, and any person acting on behalf of that barrister or solicitor,—
a: may show the copy (the document
b: must not leave the document in the defendant's possession; and
c: must not leave the document in the possession of any witness for either party; and
d: must not leave the document in the possession of any victim (within the meaning of section 4 of the Victims' Rights Act 2002); and
e: must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the defendant, any witness, or any victim, as the case requires, does not copy the document.
3: A barrister or solicitor to whom a copy of the panel is made available under section 14(1) because the barrister or solicitor is acting for a party to civil proceedings, and any person acting on behalf of that barrister or solicitor,—
a: may show the copy or any copies of it (the document
b: must not leave the document in the party's possession; and
c: must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the party does not copy the document.
4: Every person who, in connection with proceedings that are due to be heard during the week for which the jurors on the panel are summoned to attend for jury service, receives, or makes a copy or copies of, a copy of the panel must return the copy or copies to the Registrar or a member of the Court registry staff as soon as practicable after the case is opened or the accused is given in charge.
5: However, subsection (4) does not apply to—
a: the Registrar or a member of the Court registry staff; and
b: any other person if the Court or a Judge, in the Court's or Judge's discretion and on a written application for the purpose, orders that the other person need not return the copy or copies.
6: A breach of subsection (2), (3), or (4) may be dealt with as contempt of Court.
11: New sections 14B and 14C inserted
1: The following sections are inserted before section 15
14B: Deferral of jury service
1: The Registrar may permit a person summoned to attend as a juror on an occasion to defer that person's attendance to serve as a juror to a time within a period that—
a: starts at least 8 weeks, and ends no later than 1 year, after the date on which the person is required to attend under the summons; and
b: is specified by the Registrar but lasts for at least 1 month; and
c: the person has indicated would be a more convenient period for the commencement of any jury service of that person that may result from the person having been summoned to attend as a juror.
2: However, the Registrar may exercise that power—
a: only in respect of a summons that is not a replacement summons under section 14C(1)(d); and
b: only once for each summons of that kind; and
c: only if satisfied, on a written application for the purpose made by or on behalf of that person, that, because of 1 or more matters specified in subsection (3), attendance on that occasion would cause or result in undue hardship or serious inconvenience to that person, any other person, or the general public.
3: The matters referred to in subsection (2)(c) (and in section 15(1A)(a) and (c)) are—
a: the nature of that person's occupation or business, or of any special and pressing commitment arising in the course of that person's occupation or business:
b: that person's
c: that person's state of health, or family commitments, or other personal circumstances.
14C: Further provisions relating to deferral of jury service
1: After accepting an application under section 14B, the Registrar must—
a: promptly record in some way the exercise of the power of deferral in respect of the summons in relation to which the application under section 14B was made; and
b: promptly delete the person's details from the panel that was—
i: compiled under section 13(1); and
ii: the basis of the issue of that summons; and
c: if a later panel is compiled under section 13(1) because jury trials are to be held in the court and that later panel is so compiled at a time that enables the person to be summoned for jury service at a time within the period specified for the person under section 14B(1)(b)
d: if satisfied that no jury trials are to be held in the court during the period specified for the person under section 14B(1)(b)
2: If the Registrar declines an application under section 14B, the applicant may, in accordance with the jury rules, appeal against that decision to the Court before which the applicant is summoned to appear.
3: The acceptance of an application under section 14B in respect of a summons does not prevent an application under section 15 or 16 in respect of a replacement summons under subsection (1)(d) of this section.
4: The Registrar may, if the Registrar thinks fit, treat an application under section 14B as if it were an application for excusal under section 15(1) and, if the Registrar does so, the application must be determined accordingly.
2: Section 13
3A: Subsection (3) does not apply to a person who is summoned for jury service if—
a: the Registrar has, following an application under section 14B, permitted the person to defer that person's jury service and—
i: the person is summoned under a replacement summons issued under section 14C(1)(c)
ii: the Registrar has served on the person a written notice under section 14C(1)(d)
b: the Registrar has, under section 15, excused the person from jury service; or
c: a Judge has, under section 16, excused the person from jury service; or
d: a Judge has, under section 16AA, discharged the summons of the person.
3: Section 13(4) Every Despite subsections (3) and (3A), every
4: Section 16(a) or to permit that person to defer jury service under section 14B that section
5: Section 35(1)
d: prescribing the method or methods by which either or both of the following applications can be made:
i: an application under section 14B for deferral of jury service:
ii: an application under section 15 or 16 to be excused from jury service:
da: prescribing the method or methods of service for a written notice under section 14C(1)(d) . Section 11(1) amended 7 July 2010 section 5(1) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010 Section 11(1) amended 7 July 2010 section 5(2) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010 Section 11(1) amended 10 September 2008 section 6(2) Disability (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Act 2008 Section 11(2) amended 7 July 2010 section 5(3) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010 Section 11(5) substituted 7 July 2010 section 5(4) Juries Amendment Act 2008 Amendment Act 2010
12: Registrar may excuse from jury service
1: Section 15
1: The Registrar may excuse a person summoned to attend as a juror on an occasion from attending on that occasion.
1A: However, the Registrar may exercise that power only if satisfied, on a written application for the purpose made by or on behalf of that person, that,—
a: because of 1 or more matters specified in section 14B(3), attendance on that occasion would cause or result in undue hardship or serious inconvenience to that person, any other person, or the general public; and
b: in the circumstances, a deferral of jury service under section 14B is not reasonably practicable; and
c: because of 1 or more matters specified in section 14B(3), that person would not, if required to attend as a juror on that occasion, be able to perform a juror's duties satisfactorily.
1B: The Registrar may, if the Registrar thinks fit, treat an application under this section as if it were an application for deferral under section 14B and, if the Registrar does so, the application must be determined accordingly.
2: Section 9(1) OIC SR 2010/229 2010-10-04 Juries Amendment Act 2000
3: Section 15(3) he the Registrar
4: Section 15(4) he the applicant
13: Judge may discharge summons of person with
1: The heading to section 16AA or language difficulty
2: Section 16AA(1) or difficulties in understanding or communicating in the English language
3: Section 16AA(3)(b) Registrar's Court registry Section 13 heading amended 10 September 2008 section 6(3) Disability (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Act 2008 Section 13(2) amended 10 September 2008 section 6(4) Disability (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Act 2008
14: Foreman
1: Section 21
a: by omitting from the heading Foreman Foreperson
b: by omitting foreman foreperson
2: Section 21
2: Despite subsection (1) the Court may direct that the jury choose a foreperson at a time different from that specified in subsection (1).
15: New sections 22 to 22C substituted
1: Section 22
22: Discharge of juror or jury
1: When this subsection applies, the Court, having regard to the interests of justice, may either—
a: discharge the jury without the jury giving a verdict (whether unanimous or majority); or
b: discharge the juror or jurors concerned from the panel and jury and proceed with the remaining jurors and take their verdict (whether unanimous or majority).
2: Subsection (1) applies if, and only if, before or after the jury is constituted but before the jury's verdict is taken, the Court considers that—
a: a juror is incapable of performing, or continuing to perform, the juror's duty as a juror in the case; or
b: a juror is disqualified; or
c: a juror's spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner, member of the juror's family, or member of the family of the juror's spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner, is ill or has died; or
d: a juror is personally concerned in the facts of the case; or
e: a juror is closely connected with a party or witness or prospective witness.
3: The Court may also discharge the jury without it giving a verdict (whether unanimous or majority) if—
a: a casualty or emergency makes it, in the Court's opinion, highly expedient for the ends of justice to do so; or
b: the jury has remained in deliberation for at least 4 hours and the jurors do not agree on the verdict (whether unanimous or majority) to be given, and the Court thinks the period for which the jury has remained in deliberation is reasonable.
4: Nothing in this section affects any rules of Court that—
a: permit a jury for a civil case to be discharged without giving a verdict if all parties consent; or
b: apply when a Judge sitting with a jury on the trial of any civil case becomes incapable of acting.
5: In this section and sections 22A and 22B, Court
22A: Consequences of discharge under section 22
1: If a juror is discharged under section 22(1)(b),—
a: the discharge of the juror does not affect the juror's liability to serve on any other jury:
b: the Court may, if the discharge occurs before the case is opened or the accused is given in charge, require a further juror to be selected from the panel and sworn under sections 18 and 20:
c: the choice of a foreperson is not affected (even if 1 or more replacement jurors are selected and sworn under paragraph (b)) if that choice has already been made and the juror who was chosen as foreperson is not the juror discharged:
d: if the juror has, by the time he or she is discharged, been chosen as foreperson, another foreperson must be chosen under section 21 from among the other jurors (including any 1 or more replacement jurors selected and sworn under paragraph (b)).
2: Despite section 22(1)(b), the Court may proceed with fewer than 11 jurors only if—
a: all parties consent and the Court, having regard to the interests of justice, considers that the Court should proceed in accordance with that consent; or
b: the Court considers that, because of exceptional circumstances relating to the trial (for example, the length or expected length of the trial), and having regard to the interests of justice, the Court should proceed with fewer than 11 jurors; and in that case the Court may proceed with 10 jurors but no fewer, even though all parties do not consent.
3: If the Court proceeds with fewer than 12 jurors, their verdict (whether unanimous or majority) has, despite section 17, the same effect as a verdict of 12 jurors.
4: On discharging the jury under section 22(1)(a) or (3), the Court must either—
a: direct that a new jury be empanelled during the sitting of the Court; or
b: postpone the trial on any terms justice requires.
22B: Further provisions about discharge under section 22
1: The Court may discharge the jury or a juror or jurors under section 22(1) or (3)—
a: on an application for the purpose; or
b: on its own initiative.
2: A defendant is entitled to appear and be heard on an application under section 22.
3: In considering whether to discharge the jury or a juror or jurors under section 22(1) or (3), the Court may conduct a hearing, and consider any evidence (other than evidence of the jury's deliberations) it thinks fit.
22C: Procedure if Judge sitting with jury on trial of criminal case becomes incapable of acting
1: If a Judge sitting with a jury on the trial of any criminal case becomes incapable of acting before the jury has retired to consider its verdict,—
a: another Judge or the Registrar must discharge the jury; and
b: on or after the discharge of the jury, another Judge may order a new trial.
2: If the Judge sitting with a jury on the trial of a criminal case becomes incapable of acting after the jury has retired to consider its verdict and before judgment has been given, another Judge—
a: may give any further directions required by the jury; and
b: may take the verdict and give judgment on it or may discharge the jury without verdict; and
c: may generally do all things in the same way as the Judge formerly presiding at the trial might have done had that Judge not become incapable of acting.
2: This section and 16
16: Amendments and repeals consequential on new sections 22 to 22C substituted
1: The Crimes Act 1961 is consequentially amended by repealing section 374
374: Discharge of juror or jury
Nothing in this Act affects the powers of a Court or Judge or Registrar to discharge a juror or jury for a criminal case under section 22 or 22C of the Juries Act 1981. 2008-12-25 Crimes Act 1961
2: The Judicature Act 1908 is consequentially amended by repealing section 54B
54B: Discharge of juror or jury
Nothing in this Act affects the powers of a Court or Judge to discharge a juror or jury for a civil case under section 22 of the Juries Act 1981. 2008-12-25 Judicature Act 1908
3: The following enactments are consequentially repealed:
a: section 13 of the Crimes Amendment Act (No 2) 1980 (1980 No 85):
b: the Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) 1997
c: sections 47 56 Human Rights Amendment Act 2001
d: section 5 2008-12-25 Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) 1997 Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 Judicature Amendment Act 1980 Crimes Amendment Act (No 2) 1980 not included in PAL database (SH)
17: New section 24 substituted
Section 24
24: Challenges without cause
1: In every case to be tried before a jury, each of the parties is entitled to challenge without cause 4 jurors only.
2: However, if 2 or more accused persons in a criminal case are indicted together, the Crown or other prosecutor is entitled to challenge without cause 8 jurors only.
3: If a juror is discharged and is to be replaced with another under section 22A(1)(b), each party is entitled in the selection of the new juror to exercise the number of challenges without cause that the party has not already exercised. 1908 No 90 ss 121–123, 125 .
18: New heading and sections 29A and 29B inserted
The following heading and sections are inserted after section 29 Sequestration, separation, retirement, and non-communication
29A: Routine sequestration on deliberation abolished
1: If, at the end of a day of deliberation, a jury that has been directed to consider its verdict has reached no verdict,—
a: the jury is not required to be sequestered; and
b: the jurors are with the leave of the Court permitted to separate until the time when the Court requires the jury's deliberation to resume.
2: If the Court or a Judge considers that it is required in the interests of justice, the Court or Judge may order that the jury be sequestered until it reaches a verdict or until an earlier time or event specified in the Court's or Judge's order.
3: An order under subsection (2) overrides subsection (1), and may be made on—
a: a written or oral application for the purpose; or
b: the Court's or Judge's own initiative.
4: Every rule of common law that requires a jury to be sequestered, or under which jurors who separate without leave of the Court are guilty of misconduct, is abolished.
29B: Retirement and non-communication
1: If the jury retires to consider its verdict, the jurors must be kept under the charge of 1 or more members of the Court registry staff in some private place provided with sufficient heating and lighting, and allowed to have reasonable refreshment.
2: However, for the purpose of having refreshment the jurors may with the Court's consent be taken under the charge of 1 or more members of the Court registry staff to a place of public refreshment instead of remaining in a private place.
3: Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to any period during which the jurors are permitted to separate under section 29A.
4: After retiring to consider their verdict and until returning a verdict or being discharged, the jurors must not discuss the case except in the course of their deliberations.
5: Failure to comply with the requirements of this section does not affect the validity of the proceedings.
6: However, if a failure of that kind is discovered before the verdict of the jury is returned, the Court may, if it considers that the failure makes it highly expedient for the ends of justice to do so,—
a: discharge the jury and direct a new jury to be sworn or empanelled during the sitting of the Court; or
b: postpone the trial on any terms justice requires.
7: In this section, member of the Court registry staff 1961 No 43 s 370 .
19: New heading and sections 29C and 29D inserted
1: The following heading and sections are inserted before the heading above section 30 Majority verdicts
29C: Criminal cases
1: In this section, majority verdict
2: The Court may accept a majority verdict in a criminal case if—
a: the jury, having retired to consider its verdict, has deliberated for at least 4 hours; and
b: the jurors have not reached a unanimous verdict; and
c: the foreperson of the jury has stated in open Court—
i: that there is no probability of the jury reaching a unanimous verdict; and
ii: that the jury has reached a majority verdict; and
d: the Court considers that the jury has had a period of time for deliberation that the Court thinks reasonable, having regard to the nature and complexity of the trial.
3: If the case involves 2 or more charges, or 2 or more persons charged, the Court may accept a majority verdict in relation to 1 or some of the charges or persons charged, in which case nothing in this section applies to the other charges or the other persons charged.
4: Nothing in this section—
a: prevents the Court from taking a poll of the jury; or
b: affects section 339 of the Crimes Act 1961 (which relates to criminal cases where part of the charge is proved).
5: If, in terms of section 339 of the Crimes Act 1961, the crime charged, as described in the enactment creating the crime or as charged in the count, includes the commission of any other crime, the Court may accept a majority verdict on the crime charged instead of a unanimous verdict on the included crime.
29D: Civil cases
1: In this section, majority verdict
2: The Court may accept a majority verdict in a civil case if—
a: the jury, having retired to consider its verdict, has deliberated for at least 4 hours; and
b: the jurors have not reached a unanimous verdict; and
c: the foreperson of the jury has stated in open Court—
i: that there is no probability of the jury reaching a unanimous verdict; and
ii: that the jury has reached a majority verdict; and
d: the Court considers that the jury has had a period of time for deliberation that the Court thinks reasonable, having regard to the nature and complexity of the trial.
3: Nothing in this section—
a: prevents the Court from taking a poll of the jury; or
b: affects any practice in civil cases by which a Court may, with the consent of all parties, accept a verdict that is not a unanimous verdict. 1908 No 89 s 54A .
2: The Crimes Act 1961 is consequentially amended by repealing section 370 OIC — SR 2009/129 2009-06-29 Crimes Act 1961
3: The Judicature Act 1908 is consequentially amended by repealing section 54A OIC — SR 2009/129 2009-06-29 Judicature Act 1908
4: This section applies only to any trial for which a jury is constituted on or after the date on which this section comes into force.
20: Payment of jurors
Section 30
2: The jury rules prescribing those fees and expenses may authorise the chief executive, if satisfied in a particular case that it is desirable to do so, to increase a sum otherwise payable under those rules.
21: New sections 32 to 32B substituted
Section 32
32: Failure to attend
1: The Court may, after complying with subsection (2), fine a person a sum, not exceeding $1,000, the Court thinks fit if that person is summoned to attend and serve as a juror before the Court but—
a: fails without reasonable excuse to attend for service as required by the summons; or
b: wilfully refuses or neglects to serve when called upon.
2: Before imposing a fine on a person under subsection (1), the Court must first inform that person of the default and afford that person a reasonable chance to explain it.
3: If a person who is summoned to appear and serve as a juror fails to answer when called, the Court may issue a warrant to secure the attendance of that person before the Court.
4: For the purposes of Part IV of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 and, if the fine is imposed by the High Court, for the purposes of Part XIII of the Crimes Act 1961, the imposition of a fine under subsection (1) is to be treated as a sentence; and those Parts of those Acts apply as if the person on whom the fine has been imposed had been convicted on an information and sentenced. 1908 No 90 ss 162, 163; 1925 No 19 s 3; 1960 No 115 s 4; 1963 No 141 s 6(1)
32A: Employees absent on jury service not to be prejudiced
1: An employer commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 if the employer does either of the following actions because an employee of the employer is required to be absent from employment on jury service:
a: dismisses, or threatens to dismiss, the employee without the consent of the employee:
b: otherwise prejudices the position of the employee without the consent of the employee.
2: If an employer is alleged to have committed, or is convicted of, an offence against subsection (1) in respect of an action and an employee, then that employee,—
a: if that action consists of or includes dismissal, may have a personal grievance, for the purposes of section 103(1)(a) of the Employment Relations Act 2000, because of an unjustifiable dismissal, and Part 9 of that Act applies accordingly; and
b: if that action consists of an action other than dismissal or includes an action in addition to dismissal, may have a personal grievance, for the purposes of section 103(1)(b) of the Employment Relations Act 2000, because of an action described in that paragraph, and Part 9 of that Act applies accordingly.
3: In this section,— employee otherwise prejudicing the position of the employee
a: means doing some act (other than dismissing, or threatening to dismiss, the employee) that affects either or both of the following to the employee's disadvantage:
i: the employee's employment:
ii: 1 or more conditions of the employee's employment; but
b: does not include not paying the employee remuneration of any kind for the period the employee is required to be absent from employment on jury service. 2000 No 7 s 17; Juries Act 2000 (Victoria) s 76
32B: Identity and address of serving or former juror or prospective juror not generally to be disclosed
1: A person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty stated in subsection (2) if the person wilfully publishes any material, broadcasts any matter, or otherwise discloses any information, that identifies, or that may lead to the identification of, a juror or former juror.
2: The penalty is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.
3: In this section,— former juror identification of a juror or former juror juror
4: Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following:
a: the identification of a former juror with the former juror's consent:
b: the identification of a juror or former juror if the identification forms part of the exercise or performance of a power, function, or duty conferred, imposed, or contemplated by this Act, the jury rules, or a rule of law or practice relating to the trial of civil or criminal cases:
c: the disclosure of information to a court or to an investigative or prosecuting authority if the disclosure is made for the purposes of an investigation or prosecution of a contempt of court or of an offence relating to a juror or jury:
d: the disclosure of information relating to a proceeding under this section. Jury Act 1977 (New South Wales) s 68; Juries Act 2000 (Victoria) s 77 .