GUEST BLOG: Jackie Foster – Why a Royal Commission of Inquiry Is Crucial: Lessons from Arthur Allan Thomas and Alan Hall
New Zealand prides itself on upholding justice and fairness, yet cases like those of Arthur Allan Thomas and Alan Hall expose significant failings within our legal and law enforcement systems. These wrongful convictions, originating from police misconduct, underscore the urgent need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to ensure accountability and prevent future injustices.
Arthur Allan Thomas’s case stands as a reminder of the consequences of police corruption. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into his case revealed evidence tampering and unethical practices that led to his wrongful conviction, setting an essential precedent for transparency and reform.
Alan Hall’s case mirrors many of these failings, with police altering witness statements and disregarding critical evidence during the investigation. While his conviction has been overturned, three individuals have since been arrested and are facing court proceedings related to the misconduct in this case. This is a step towards accountability, but it falls short of addressing the deeper issues that enabled such failures.
A Royal Commission of Inquiry into Alan Hall’s case is not only warranted, but also imperative. While the court proceedings may provide justice at an individual level, they cannot uncover the broader institutional weaknesses or ensure comprehensive reforms. Such an inquiry would delve into the systemic problems, provide a full account of the misconduct, and make recommendations to safeguard against future miscarriages of justice.
This is more than an issue of accountability; it is about restoring public trust in the integrity of our justice system. By establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry, New Zealand can reaffirm its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law. Alan Hall’s case deserves the same thorough examination as Arthur Allan Thomas’s, ensuring that justice is not just done, but seen to be done.
Jackie Foster
CEO
Social Justice Aotearoa
I agree but also know that unfortunately these system filled with creatures hellbent on never admitting error will find ways to undermine even a Royal Commission, for example, Justice Mahon and his Erebus Commission findings suffered that way.