Ongoing court strikes may cause miscarriage of justice - Judge

The Chief District Court Judge says the ongoing industrial dispute between the Ministry of Justice and its employees means people are likely to spend unnecessary time in custody. And Judge Jan-Marie Doogue says it also means a heightened risk of miscarriages of justice. Strikes and work-to-rule action has disrupted court proceedings for months as the ministry and the union try to negotiate a new contract. Sitting hours in some courthouses are being slashed, holding up cases. Judge Doogue told RNZ court reporter Anneke Smith she's concerned the longer the dispute continues, the greater the risk people will not get fair treatment.