How does the court system work in NZ?
How does the court system work in NZ?
New Zealand currently has 58 District Courts throughout the country. The Appeal Court hears civil and criminal appeals from the High Court, District Courts and the Employment Court. It also determines the law of New Zealand and resolves conflicting court decisions. The Supreme Court is the ‘court of final appeal’.
How many courts are there in NZ?
The judiciary has four levels: the six-member Supreme Court is the highest court; the ten-member Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court on points of law; the High Court deals with serious criminal offences and civil matters, and hears appeals from the lower courts; and the District Court, which meets in …
Where are most criminal cases heard nz?
the District Court
Most criminal cases are heard in the District Court. A large number of civil cases are heard in the District Court where the amount in dispute is less than $350,000. The next level in our court system is Te Kōti Matua, the High Court.
What is the highest court in NZ?
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in New Zealand and our final appeal court. Appeals to the Supreme Court can only be heard with the leave of the court.
What is the highest judge in New Zealand?
Dame Helen Winkelmann
The chief justice is appointed by the governor-general, on the formal advice of the prime minister….Chief Justice of New Zealand.
| Chief Justice of New Zealand Kaiwhakawā Tumuaki o Aotearoa (Māori) | |
|---|---|
| Incumbent Dame Helen Winkelmann since 14 March 2019 | |
| Style | The Right Honourable |
What are the main law making systems in NZ?
There are two main sources of law: statutes (the laws passed by Parliament) and the ‘common law’. The common law has been developed by judges over the centuries, and may be altered by the courts to meet changing circumstances.
How does the court system work in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s general courts are structured like a pyramid. At the top is the Supreme Court. A decision by a higher court is binding on lower courts and decisions of the Supreme Court, conforming with the decisions of a higher court. This is called the rule of precedent, and ensures consistency and certainty in how the law is applied.
Where are criminal cases heard in New Zealand?
Most criminal cases are heard in the District Court. A large number of civil cases are heard in the District Court where the amount in dispute is less than $350,000. The next level in our court system is Te Kōti Matua, the High Court. It is the highest court in which cases can start.
What is the rule of precedent in New Zealand?
This is called the rule of precedent. It ensures consistency and certainly in how the law is applied. There are also specialist courts in our court system – the Employment Court, the Environment Court and the Māori Land Court. The Waitangi Tribunal, Coroners Court and the Courts Martial Appeal Court are also part of the system.
What to do if you cannot go to court in New Zealand?
Contact 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) if you cannot enter the courthouse or are not sure whether to attend. Find contact details for a court or tribunal Health and safety measures We are following Ministry of Health guidelines to protect the health and safety of all court participants and staff.
New Zealand’s general courts are structured like a pyramid. At the top is the Supreme Court. A decision by a higher court is binding on lower courts and decisions of the Supreme Court, conforming with the decisions of a higher court. This is called the rule of precedent, and ensures consistency and certainty in how the law is applied.
Most criminal cases are heard in the District Court. A large number of civil cases are heard in the District Court where the amount in dispute is less than $350,000. The next level in our court system is Te Kōti Matua, the High Court. It is the highest court in which cases can start.
Which is the busiest court in New Zealand?
There are four main levels in our court system. The first is Te Kōti ā Rohe, the District Court. Most large towns and cities have a District Court. It is the busiest court.
When does the District Court of New Zealand change?
The latest Alert Level District Court Protocol s and how the changes affect various court participants can be found in the dedicated COVID-19 Information section. For information explaining the approach the courts will take from Saturday 13 March 2021 please refer to the latest media statement of the Chief Justice. Last updated 12 March 2021.