Courts and cases New Zealand (Lexadin)

COURTS AND CASES NEW ZEALAND

Appellate Courts / First Instance Courts / High Courts / Judiciary (general) / Jurisprudence (Case Law) / Minor Courts Justices of the Peace / Other Courts / Supreme Courts (Highest Instance) / Judicial Map

Supreme Courts (Highest Instance)

The Supreme Court of New Zealand is from 1 july 2004 the highest judicial instance in New Zealand. The Court replaces the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council located in London. The Court is established by the Supreme Court Act of 2003. The Court resides in Wellington and is composed of 5 judges including the Chief Justice. All appeals are first required to apply to the Court for leave to appeal, as based on the conditions mentioned in the Supreme Court Act.

Supreme Court

Appellate Courts

The Court of Appeal, located in Wellington, is the principal appelate court. The Court is composed of six permanent judges including the President. The Court hears civil and criminal appeals from proceedings heard in the High Court, and indictable criminal proceedings in District Courts. Appeals from the Emp[loyment Court are heard by the Court of Appeal as well.

Court of Appeal

High Courts

The High Court has general jurisdiction and responsibility, under the Judicature Act 1908, for the administration of justice throughout New Zealand. The court supervises other courts and tribunals. It has jurisdiction over both criminal and civil matters, and deals with cases at first instance or on appeal from other courts and tribunals. The Court is composed of head of the New Zealand Judiciary, the Chief Justice and up to 55 other Judges (which includes the Judges of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal).

High Court
Auckland High Court
Christchurch High Court
Wellington High Court

First Instance Courts

The District Courts are the Courts of First instance. There are currently 66 District Courts throughout New Zealand. The District Courts Act 1947 provides for a maximum of 120 District Court Judges. According to the District Courts Act the District Courts can determine claims involving up to $200,000. In criminal cases the District Courts have jurisdiction on minor offences and on some serious offences, such as rape and aggravated robbery.

Minor Courts Justices of the Peace

The Disputes Tribunals hear claims involving less than $7500 .

Disputes Tribunals

Other Courts

Employment Court of New Zealand
Environment Court
Family Court of New Zealand
Maori Land Court
Privy Council (until 2004 highest appelate court)
Tenancy Tribunal
Waitangi Tribunal
Waitangi Tribunal
Youth Court of New Zealand

Jurisprudence (Case Law)

Judiciary (general)

Attorney General
Court Locator
Courts of New Zealand
Courts structure Diagram
Crown Law Office
Locations of Courts and Contact Details
Royal Federation of Justices' Associations (Inc)