Industrial Law Cases

Abstract

The British Parliamentary model, as adopted in New Zealand, is characterised by the supremacy of the Rule of Law, as opposed to the arbitrary whim of man or party. The Prime Minister, and "regal authority," are subject to the Rule of Law: see Fitzgerald v Muldoon (1976) 2 NZLR 615, the case wherein the Chief Justice decided that Mr Muldoon could not suspend an act of Parliament by press release. Trade unions are subject to the Rule of Law, as the other caseg noted in these pages illustrate. The instant decision demonstrates that even lawyers and law firms are bound by the Rule of Law; like other employers they must obey the statutory requirements of dispute settlement.