Wellington Colin Carruthers QC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission for an 18-month term, effective from 1 February 2020.
The Commission will be based in Hamilton, with Justice Minister Andrew Little saying it is important that the CCRC is independent from the big bureaucratic and judicial centres, Auckland and Wellington.
Mr Little says Mr Carruthers brings a significant amount of mana and credibility to the role, having practised as a senior barrister in both defence and prosecution roles,
Colin Carruthers was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1990. He has had significant experience in criminal work, both prosecution and defence, including Serious Fraud Office prosecutions, tax prosecutions, securities prosecutions and other regulatory prosecutions.
Mr Carruthers will be supported by an Establishment Advisory Group, which will provide advice on the CCRC’s design to ensure consistency with the legislation. The Establishment Advisory Group members are:
- Professor Tracey McIntosh – Professor of Indigenous Studies and Co-Head of Te Wānanga o Waipapa (School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies) at the University of Auckland;
- Nigel Hampton CNZM, OBE, QC – internationally-applauded criminal defence lawyer;
- Professor Elisabeth McDonald – Professor of Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedure at the University of Canterbury;
- Dr Anna Sandiford – Senior Forensic Science Consultant and Director of The Forensic Group Ltd;
- Dr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni – Associate professor of Criminology at the University of Auckland;
- Tim McKinnel – investigator and previously a detective with New Zealand Police.
The CCRC will begin receiving applications for review of convictions and sentences when it becomes operational on 1 July 2020.
The terms of reference for the Establishment Advisory Group have been released, along with other information on its operation.
Did you see?
- Jude’s Jobs: Unreal Weather and Unreal Law JobsIt’s been soo hot and I’m just soo excited to be diving into my new job… Read more: Jude’s Jobs: Unreal Weather and Unreal Law Jobs
- Breaking the Mold: ‘One Dollar Lawyer’ Redefines Legal Drama with Wit and HeartOne Dollar Lawyer is a compelling and entertaining Korean tv series of interest to lawyers and others seeking quality entertainment with modern themes
- Natalie Coates: The Tikanga, Treaty and Te Reo Debate 2023 Lawyer of the Year Natalie Coates discussed with LawFuel publisher John Bowie some of the… Read more: Natalie Coates: The Tikanga, Treaty and Te Reo Debate
- 2023 LawFuel Power List Index: 11 – 202023 LawFuel Power List
- 2023 Power List – 11 – 20The 2023 Law Power List: Numbers 11 – 20 11 Adrienne Meikle New Entry Adrienne Meikle… Read more: 2023 Power List – 11 – 20
- How are Leading New Zealand Law firms performing online?New Zealand law firm digital marketing report showing digital footprint for New Zealand law firms
- LawFuel Power List Index: 21 – 30index of the power lawyers on the LawFuel Power List 2023 from 21 to 30
- 2023 Power List – 21 – 302023 Power List of the country’s most powerful lawyers
- LawFuel Power List Index: 31 – 40The LawFuel Power List 2023 – 31 to 40 including enforcers, deal makers, top advocates, defence lawyers, finance and investment legal experts
- 2023 Power List – 6 – 106. Mark Todd – FMA Chair New Entrant Former Bell Gully partner chairs the Financial Markets… Read more: 2023 Power List – 6 – 10
- 2023 Power List : The Top 101. Una Jagose A distinguished public interest lawyer, Una Jagose remains heading the Power List although… Read more: 2023 Power List : The Top 10
- The Legal Thought Leader: Clive ElliotPatent attorney Clive Elliott has transcended his role as a leading IP lawyer to become a… Read more: The Legal Thought Leader: Clive Elliot
- The Surprise Departure From Russell McVeaghRussell McVeagh departure of Polly Pope