Constitutional review: broad cross-party support?

The constitutional review was finally announced last week:

- www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-begins-cross-party-constitutional-review

It's a long-term project, so forgive me if I take my time to digest it before posting more.

I shared some of my initial reactions on the Court Report this week:

- tvnz.co.nz/the-court-report/court-report-index-group-3602627

And my law buddy, Andrew Geddis, has some typically wise analysis and a set of predications over at Pundit:

- www.pundit.co.nz/content/what-the-constitutional-review-will-recommend-you-heard-it-here-first

But, one thought to set the rolling maul of constitutional navel-gazing off.

Bill English proclaimed that any significant constitutional changes would require overwhelming support:

"Significant change will not be undertaken lightly and will require either broad cross-party agreement or the majority support of voters at a referendum,"

Good call.

But, based on this principle, does that mean the government won't be amending the jury trial threshold in our Bill of Rights unless they can garner broad cross-party support for the change?


- www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0243/latest/DLM3360694.html