Law expert backs family violence bail trial

  • 27/08/2015
The report includes details of any safety or protection orders, and any breaches of them (Getty)
The report includes details of any safety or protection orders, and any breaches of them (Getty)

A family law expert is backing a pilot programme which gives judges granting bail more information on the defendants' family violence history.

From next week, judges in Porirua and Christchurch will automatically get family violence summary reports.

Otago University Law professor Mark Henaghan is welcoming the move.

"I think it's always good as a general principle that [judges have better information] in front of them when making decisions – particularly in the context of family violence."

The report includes details of any safety or protection orders, and any breaches of them.

Prof Henaghan says the trial, which starts next month, is long overdue.

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