Market analysts have suggested that a float of the judiciary could raise up to two billion dollars. They have pointed to the success the government has had selling legislation to overseas film studios and energy companies.

“A judicial float wouldn’t generate quite the same market buzz as a wholesale sell-off of our legislation”, said Neville Norton of stockbroker firm BJ Bere.

“But there are plenty of people in the market desperate to buy a favourable judgment, so even a partial float would be heavily subscribed.”

However, the Justice Minister said talk of selling the judiciary was premature.

“That’s not on the agenda right now,” insisted Collins.

But opposition parties have claimed that the reforms are motivated by a desire to sell the judiciary.

“The price of justice is already too high,” said Labour Justice spokesperson Andrew Little. “Expect court fees to skyrocket under these reforms, as shareholders put pressure on judges to maximise returns for investors.

“It’s bad enough as it is. We’re heading into another winter, and some litigants will suffer the chilling effects of being unable to take their important cases through the court system, due to the costs involved.”

Labour leader David Shearer agreed that something needed to be done to address whatever it was that needed to be addressed.

“Something needs to be done,” said Mr Shearer. “Labour will do things. Good things. Special secret things. Just you wait and see.”

Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesperson Garth McVicar said the reforms did not go far enough, but were a step in the right direction.

“I’m glad Judith Collins has finally started to listen to us”, said McVicar.

“The Sensible Sentencing Trust would like to see a judiciary that dispenses instant and lethal justice against anyone who offends my sense of right and wrong, but this is a good beginning.”