Cook v R - [2025] 1 NZLR 75

Constitutional law — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 — Burden of proof on defendant pleading insanity — Whether justified limit on presumption of innocence — New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 ss 5 and 25(c).

Criminal law — Defences — Automatism — Sexsomnia — Whether sane or insane automatism — Definitions of sane and insane automatism — Whether Judge correct to classify defence without hearing expert witnesses — Crimes Act 1961 s 23.

Criminal practice and procedure — Evidence — Burden of proof — Sane and insane automatism — Whether reverse onus justified limitation of presumption of innocence — Consequences of verdict of insanity — Whether requirement to hear medical witnesses — Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 s 25.