Back in court: First pic of Scott Watson in 17 years

Scott Watson in the High Court at Christchurch today. Photo / John Kirk-Anderson / The Press

After a full day hearing, a judge has reserved her decision as to whether convicted double murderer Scott Watson can meet a journalist.

Watson is seeking a judicial review in the High Court at Christchurch of the refusal by the chief executive of Corrections to allow him to meet with North and South reporter Mike White.

He is currently serving a 17-year sentence for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope in 1998.

Scott Watson in the High Court at Christchurch today. Photo / John Kirk-Anderson / The Press

His lawyer Kerry Cook claimed any impact on victims is overruled by a possible miscarriage of justice.

Corrections lawyer Paul Rishworth told the court the chief executive made his decision in line with the law, and balanced many different factors.

Justice Rachel Dunningham will now consider all submissions before making her decision.

Mr Cook told the Court this morning that since his arrest, trial and conviction the public had only heard four words from him.

"'Not guilty', and 'you're wrong', following the jury's verdict of guilty," Mr Cook said.

"He now wishes to talk, and my principal submission is that the chief executive of the Department of Corrections unreasonably stopped New Zealanders from having the opportunity to listen."

Watson had gained hope from the cases of David Bain and Teina Pora, Mr Cook said, and he hoped the public would also lend their support to his claims of a miscarriage of justice.

The public was particularly acute to miscarriages of justice right now, because of such high profile cases, Mr Cook said.

"He wishes to have his case brought forward and assessed on the backdrop of Bain, Pora and others.

"Mr Watson says he's the victim of a miscarriage of justice, and that is what he wishes to be interviewed about."

Watson, who hasn't been seen publicly for many years, sat quietly next to his lawyer dressed in a shirt and tie, and spoke only briefly to determine where to sit.

Any possible impact to the Smart and Hope families caused by Watson sharing his story is overruled by the possibility of a miscarriage of justice, Mr Cook said.

"That harm [to the families] will be there in any event," he said, whether Watson speaks out or not.

There was significant public interest in hearing any possible claim of a miscarriage of justice, he argued.

Scott Watson in the High Court at Christchurch today. Photo / John Kirk-Anderson / The Press

"The public, as the benefactors of the law, deserve to hear about any of these miscarriages of justice too, thus there is a significant public and societal interest in this particular type of expression."

The court also heard how Watson had carefully hand-picked which journalist he wanted to tell his story too.

In picking Mr White, Watson didn't just pick anyone, Mr Cook said.

"He's picked someone who's been involved in the case from the start, someone who's respected in their field, and who's from a reputable magazine.

"This is important because it's not tabloid drivel written by a pen for hire whose interest is not in facts and justice."

However, the Chief Executive of Corrections has maintained his refusal to allow Watson to meet White, saying the decision was made in line with the law and balanced with other factors.

Lawyer for Corrections, Paul Rishworth, told the court the CEO was directed by the regulations to consider the interests of the victims.

"He balanced those interests, he balanced freedom of expression, miscarriage of justice concerns, and made a decision that was his to make," he said.

"He made the decision that the law requires of him."