The prosecution system directly affects the lives of a great many New Zealanders, whether as accused, victims, witnesses or the many different officials who operate it, and it's a system which costs a lot of (taxpayers') money to run.". "In this book, Philip Stenning traces the development of this system from its early English origins, and the ongoing process through which it has been continuously adapted and reformed to meet New Zealand's unique circumstances and needs. In addition to describing the system, the book poses some critical questions about it. Who exercises the power to make critical decisions in the process, and how effectively do we hold them accountable for those decisions? What have been thought to be the major weaknesses of the system, and what reforms have been proposed to improve it? Equally importantly and interestingly, what alternatives, such as restorative justice processes (with respect to which New Zealand has been the world leader, especially in responding to youth offending), have been developed and proposed?". "This book seeks answers to these questions and many more. Above all, it provides an introduction to the prosecution system and process in New Zealand, not so much for the experts and functionaries as for the general reading public. The book, in other words, is not a manual for practitioners, but an introduction and guide to the layperson with a desire to learn more about this critical governmental institution that impinges on the lives of so many New Zealanders every year."--BOOK JACKET