Information from Ministry of Justice on bail applications

Phil Miles from the Christchurch District Court has advised that the court sitting at the Prison is receiving an increasing number of requests from assigned counsel for bail applications.

Due to the current situation the Police require more time than usual to check addresses and any other relevant information.

He says the court is also mindful not to overload the lists while also having the applications heard as early as practicable. To this end, the court will require any requests for bail to be submitted in writing, email probably being the most suitable means of filing.

At this stage it is envisaged that the applications will be scheduled one week from the request, again as is practicable and in consultation with counsel and prosecutions.

It is still counsels’ responsibility to file any formal applications with the relevant prosecutions office.

Written applications should, at this stage, be emailed to Mike Vine – Michael.vine@justice.govt.nz.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008