The updated Protocol is available in Adams on Criminal Law in the Criminal Procedure chapter under Practice Notes and Protocols.

The Court of Trial Protocol identifies cases and classes of cases which must always be considered for transfer to the High Court in accordance with s 66 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011. The 2021 Protocol states: “It is the obligation of the prosecution to identify cases falling within the protocol.”

An advisory from the Chief High Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge notes that the 2021 Protocol:

• Removes s 209 of the Crimes Act 1961 (Kidnapping) from the list of Class 1 offences and moves it to the list of Class 2 offences – re kidnapping where:
  • there is kidnapping for ransom; or
  • the complainant is under 16 at the time of the offending.

• Adds a new Class 1 offence: s 82B(1) of the Commerce Act 1986 (Offence relating to cartel prohibition).

• Adds a new Class 1 offence: s 105 of the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (Application of Corporations (Investigations and Management Act) 1989) – in terms of offences relating to the following provisions of the 1989 Act:
  • Section 43 (Prohibition against removal of assets).
  • Section 67 (Duty to deliver books and property to statutory manager).
  • Section 68 (Offence to destroy, alter, or conceal records).