Defining the Ambit of the Free Speech Privilege in New Zealand's Parliament

The Pricy Council decision in Jennings v Buchanan reasserted the judiciary’s role in deciding the ambit of Parliamentary privilege. This article outlines that decision and unpicks the reasons for the Court’s judgement. The author then considers some potential problems with the judicial approach taken, problems which may give the privileges committee cause to recommend that the House move to legislate to overturn the decision. Finally, the author makes some suggestions as to the form such legislation should take