Role of the Council
The New Zealand Council of Law Reporting is an unincorporated association, consisting of the Attorney-General, a Judge of the High Court, the Solicitor-General, the President of the New Zealand Law Society, and other lawyers. It was formed primarily for the purpose of publishing or arranging for the publication of the series of reports of legal decisions known as The New Zealand Law Reports.
The primary function of the Council is to oversee the preparation, publication, and sale of judicial decision reports from New Zealand and elsewhere, deemed necessary or valuable for legal practitioners in New Zealand. Additionally, the Council has the authority to publish other legal works and can acquire or sell law reports and publications under terms it deems appropriate. It holds exclusive rights, with the consent of the New Zealand Law Society, to commence or continue publishing a new series of judicial decision reports from specified courts, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility of legal materials.
By publishing and indexing law reports, the Council ensures that people can easily find and learn about the cases that have changed or clarified the law over the years, how they have affected earlier cases or interpreted legislation, and whether they have been overtaken by later cases on the same topic.
New Zealand Council of Law Reporting Act 1938
The New Zealand Council of Law Reporting Act was passed in 1938. It provides for the incorporation and reconstitution of the New Zealand Council of Law Reporting, defines its powers and functions. The full Act is available here.
