Breadcrumbs

The Future of the Adversarial Process - evolution or death?

The 2017 Annual Norris Ward McKinnon Lecture at Te Piringa - Faculty of Law.

Date: Thursday 5 October 2017
Time: 6.00pm (Pre lecture drinks 5:30 pm)
Venue: Te Whare Tapere Iti, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
RSVP: Laws Events Centre

The adversarial process allows parties to present evidence and challenge evidence before a passive judge or jury. It is a process of ‘trial by combat’ that has defined common law legal systems since medieval England. Lawyers play a prominent role in the adversarial process, with an emphasis on oratory skills. It is in stark contrast to the inquisitorial process of the civil law systems, which has its roots in 19th century France and is prevalent in modern day Europe. The role of the judiciary is more proactive and written submissions are paramount.

This lecture will explore the pros and cons of the adversarial process, as encountered by three of its Judges. Facilitated by Phillip Morgan QC, the Panel of Judges will discuss their individual experiences with the adversarial process and what the future may hold, particularly with the rapid advance of technology. The Panel will also discuss the skill-set required of lawyers and judges to perform effectively in the Judicial System, now and in the future.

The annual Norris Ward McKinnon lecture will conclude with questions from the audience about the future of the Adversarial Process.

More information

For further information please contact [email protected]


The Panel

Judge Riddell

Judge Rosemary RiddellJudge Rosemary Riddell was appointed in 2006 and has sat in the Hamilton District Court in the criminal and family jurisdiction.

Judge Marshall

Judge MarshallJudge Marshall was appointed a District Court Judge in 2010 at Hamilton. Judge Marshall was admitted to the bar in 1980 after being involved in all aspects of litigation, civil, family, criminal, and tribunal work.

Judge Wilson QC

Judge David Wilson QCJudge David Wilson QC practiced law in Hamilton from 1970 until 2003 when he was appointed a District Court Judge. His speciality at the Bar was criminal jury trials.

Philip Morgan QC

Philip Morgan QCPhilip Morgan QC was admitted to the Bar in 1977. Phillip Morgan came to Hamilton in 1983 where he worked as a Crown prosecutor and was then a partner in the Crown Solicitors office.  Philip went to the independent Bar on 1 July 1998 and took silk in June 2003.