Exceptions to double jeopardy rule may soon be allowed

3.40 pm - By CHRIS DANIELS

Exceptions to the rule against "double jeopardy" in serious criminal cases may soon be allowed in New Zealand.

The Law Commission has today recommended that in certain cases, a person can be prosecuted again for a crime they have already been acquitted of.

If endorsed by Parliament, someone could soon be re-tried if they are later convicted of perjury or attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Justice Minister Phil Goff said he supported the proposal for "limited exception to the rule against double jeopardy in a narrow class of cases".

It would only apply to charges carrying a penalty of at least 14 years imprisonment. The person would have to be later convicted of an "administration of justice" crime.

The High Court would then have to decide whether it was "more likely than not" that the acquittal was the result of criminal interference, such as threatening a witness, or asking others to commit perjury.