Hayward v O'Keeffe - [1993] 1 NZLR 181

Tort — Wrongful arrest and false imprisonment — Trial by jury — Judge's power to set aside verdict — Judge's power to enter judgment rather than order a new trial — Judge's power to reassess damages — Exemplary damages — Unlawfulness of arrest — Unlawfulness of detention — Elements of assault — Crimes Act 1961, ss 32 and 39.

Practice and procedure — Trial — Trial by jury — Judge's power to set aside verdict — Whether verdict unsustainable on the evidence — Whether verdict one which no reasonable jury could reach — Whether verdict perverse — Judge's power to enter judgment rather than order a new trial — Judge's power to reassess damages — Exemplary damages.