New Zealand is a nation bound by the rule of law; the government is not above the law. It follows that state actions that limit guaranteed rights and freedoms should be lawful, reasonable and proportionate, and any intrusion into rights is the least necessary. As the law expects members of public to abide by the rules of society, is it too much to expect that the state obeys the rules too?
We are accomplished appellate advocates and have appeared on civil and criminal appeals from the High Court to the Supreme Court, in New Zealand and in the Court of Appeal of Western Samoa.
Additionally, we can help where there is no right of appeal, but where judicial review may be available to scrutinise a wide range of decisions affecting human rights. They can arise directly from District Court criminal cases, or where a governmental body, such as the Police or Corrections, has breached the rules of administrative law, causing a human rights infringement.
We have acted for both individuals and companies, handling regulatory and compliance investigations and proceedings. We also provides representation for professionals from other regulated sectors in relation to allegations of misconduct, for example, accountants, teachers, healthcare professionals and lawyers.
Deaths from serious accidents or unknown causes are likely to end up in a courtroom. Coroners are tasked with establishing causes of death and can hold public hearings to do so. Family members, as well as people more closely linked to the death have aright to be heard at such inquests. We have significant experience in the coronial process, acting for family members of those who died, as well as those under suspicion of involvement in the death itself.
The prospect of going to court on a criminal charge can be daunting, but we can help you with all aspects of a criminal case. We hold all criminal legal aid trial and appeal categories, including life imprisonment cases.
