NCJ Number
207924
Date Published
October 2004
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This annual report of New Zealand's Ministry of Justice includes audited financial statements and descriptions of activities related to the administration of specified law for the period July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004.
Abstract
The merger of the previous Ministry of Justice with the Department for Courts occurred October 1, 2003; this had the effect of combining policy and operational delivery roles. The responsibilities of the new ministry encompass leading the development of overall strategic direction for the justice sector, policy and legislative development, negotiation and settlement of historic treaty claims, the provision of services and facilities that support judicial decisionmaking, and the enforcement of fines and monetary orders. One of the key operations of the 2003/04 fiscal year was the initiation of the Baseline Review, which will assess the ministry's current ability to deliver its responsibilities. The fiscal year also saw the establishment of the Supreme Court of New Zealand with the first appeal application in March 2004, the implementation of the case management system in all district and high courts, the passing of 25 criminal justice acts, and the enhancement of coordination across the justice sector through the enhancement of information sharing. A financial summary is presented, and information is provided on the structure and provision of services; locations for services; courts, committees, tribunals, and other authorities; nondepartmental output classes; court-related statistics; acts administered; major reports and publications; and contacts for additional information.