The defence team in the David Bain case has lost its bid to force disclosure of key documents from the Minister of Justice Judith Collins.
Mr Bain was acquitted on retrial of murdering his parents and three siblings in Dunedin.
His defence team subsequently launched an appeal for compensation, saying he had been wrongly incarcerated.
They also sought release of a range of documents connected with a report into the case by a retired Canadian judge.
And they alleged Ms Collins had prejudged the issue.
In a High Court decision just released, Justice Keane says the Minister complied with her duty and is legally entitled to withhold key documents from the case.
Thirteen categories of documents are affected by the judgement.
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