Justice Ministers, the Justice Ministry, and Penal Reform: The First 100 Years

Abstract

Jails and lockups have existed in NZ since the 1st days of colonisation, but they had no legal authority until the 1st Legislative Council was formed in 1841. After that, prisons were run by Sheriffs who reported to the Governor, while the administration of justice belonged to the Colonial Secretary. Until 1853 serious criminals were transported to Tasmania but this ceased in 1853 and from then on, full responsibility for prisons passed to the Provinces that had been established under the Constitution Act 1852.