9. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
Does she agree that the principles of British justice, which have evolved in New Zealand, still apply in New Zealand?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Justice) Link to this
Yes. New Zealand has adopted, through history and common law, many of the justice principles first articulated in the British justice system. Over time many of these principles have been refined in New Zealand legislation and judicial decisions.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Is it one of those most basic, fundamental principles that one cannot be convicted of an offence that is not in the law?
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Is it one of those basic, fundamental principles that there cannot be in a case retrospective legislation or retrospective rules, and then justice?
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Is it also fundamental to our laws and our system that an offence is only applicable when the law or rules have been, in fact, put in place?