20 Feb 2010

Bar Assoc wants outside input for Supreme Court

3:03 pm on 20 February 2010

The Bar Association has suggested some thought be given to having judges from other jurisdictions sit on the Supreme Court bench.

Association president Colin Carruthers QC raised the concept at a ceremonial first sitting at the new court on Friday.

Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias, says it's important that the Supreme Court understands the local context of matters coming before it.

But with the expanding internationality of the rule of law, Mr Carruthers says it would be desirable to draw from other jurisdictions.

He says New Zealand's relatively small size brings advantages and disadvantages for judging, and there would be merit in having an outside view participating in the decision-marking of the Supreme Court.