R v M - [1996] 2 NZLR 659

Criminal law — Evidence — Admissibility of statement made in document tending to establish fact or opinion if maker having knowledge of matters is outside New Zealand and unavailable to give evidence — Whether "reasonably practicable" to obtain evidence of witness — Observations as to availability of Summary Proceedings Act procedure and relevance of Bill of Rights provisions — Evidence Amendment Act (No 2) 1980, ss 2(2)(b) and 3(1)(a) — Summary Proceedings Act 1957, s 184 — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, s 25(a) and (f).