What we have written,
and what the Courts have said.

In our words

1. April · EssayCircumstantial evidence and inferencesFrom established facts to logical conclusions.
2. 11 February · Note from abroadA note from BeijingMātai Chambers visits BZW Law Firm.

In the Courts

1. 24 August · District CourtA discharge without conviction for refusing a blood testA refusal charge, no previous convictions, and an application supported by evidence of the consequences.
2. 7 July · Supreme Court · Wilson v RRed Fox Tavern murder convictions set aside; acquittals enteredCharged almost 30 years after the killing and convicted in 2021. A Supreme Court majority found the verdicts unreasonable.
3. 16 June · District CourtA discharge without conviction for drink drivingExcess breath alcohol and careless driving, and no previous court appearances.
4. 11 June · District Court · R v McJarrowHome detention for precursor offendingSentenced almost twenty years after the verdict, under today's law: home detention, not prison.
5. 8 June · District CourtHome detention for methamphetamine supplySupplying about 150 grams of methamphetamine, with a firearm. Credit for time on EM bail brought home detention within reach.
6. 5 June · District CourtMethamphetamine supply charges dismissedAn unlawful warrantless search, the evidence excluded, and nothing left for the prosecution.

In our words

1. Nothing this year.

In the Courts

1. 20 October · District CourtA discharge without conviction for assaultA group assault and a previous conviction, but a trade career a conviction would have put at risk.
2. 8 October · High CourtMurder charges dismissed at trialTwo of five men charged with murder. Neither murder charge reached the jury, and neither ended in a conviction.
3. September · District CourtAcquitted by the jury of sexual violationTwo charges of sexual violation and two of indecent assault. Not guilty on all four.
4. 24 March · District CourtHome detention for importing methamphetamineImporting 508 grams of methamphetamine, with a firearm. A lesser role and real rehabilitation meant a sentence served at home.

In our words

1. Nothing this year.

In the Courts

1. April · High Court · R v NathanAcquitted of murder and manslaughter on self-defenceCharged with murdering his brother on his 19th birthday. Acquitted of murder and manslaughter on self-defence.

In our words

1. Nothing this year.

In the Courts

1. 2 November · Court of AppealAggravated robbery conviction quashedConvicted at a trial held in his absence while his co-accused was acquitted. The conviction was unsafe.
2. September · High CourtAcquitted of murderCharged over a 2018 Tauranga killing. Acquitted of murder; guilty only as an accessory after the fact.