Courts of new zealand

The courts of New Zealand are a system of courts that interpret and apply the laws of New Zealand. The courts are divided into two main categories: the High Court and the District Courts.

High Court

The High Court is the highest court in New Zealand and has jurisdiction over all matters, including criminal and civil cases. It is divided into three divisions:

  1. The General Division: This division hears most civil cases, including contract disputes, tort claims, and family law matters.
  2. The Maori Land Court: This division hears cases related to Maori land and property.
  3. The Court of Appeal: This division hears appeals from the District Courts and the Maori Land Court.

District Courts

The District Courts are the lower courts in New Zealand and have jurisdiction over less serious criminal cases and civil cases. They are divided into two divisions:

  1. The General Division: This division hears most criminal cases, including summary convictions and minor offenses.
  2. The Family Court: This division hears cases related to family law, including child custody and property disputes.

Other Courts

There are several other courts in New Zealand that have specialized jurisdiction:

  1. The Employment Court: This court hears cases related to employment disputes, including unfair dismissal and employment contracts.
  2. The Environment Court: This court hears cases related to environmental issues, including resource consents and environmental disputes.
  3. The Maori Appellate Court: This court hears appeals from the Maori Land Court.
  4. The Youth Court: This court hears cases involving young people under the age of 18.
  5. The Small Claims Tribunal: This tribunal hears cases involving small claims, including debt and contract disputes.

Court Structure

The court structure in New Zealand is as follows:

  1. The High Court: The highest court in New Zealand.
  2. The Court of Appeal: The second-highest court in New Zealand, which hears appeals from the High Court.
  3. The District Courts: The lower courts in New Zealand, which hear less serious criminal cases and civil cases.
  4. The other courts: Specialized courts that hear cases related to specific areas of law, such as employment, environment, and family law.

Court Procedures

The court procedures in New Zealand are as follows:

  1. Litigation: The process of taking a case to court, including filing a claim, serving the defendant, and attending court hearings.
  2. Mediation: A process where a neutral third party helps the parties to a dispute to reach a settlement.
  3. Arbitration: A process where a neutral third party makes a binding decision on a dispute.
  4. Jury trials: Trials where a jury of citizens is empaneled to hear evidence and make a decision on a case.

Court Rules

The court rules in New Zealand are as follows:

  1. The High Court Rules: Rules that govern the procedure and practice of the High Court.
  2. The District Courts Rules: Rules that govern the procedure and practice of the District Courts.
  3. The Family Court Rules: Rules that govern the procedure and practice of the Family Court.
  4. The Employment Court Rules: Rules that govern the procedure and practice of the Employment Court.

Court Fees

The court fees in New Zealand are as follows:

  1. Filing fees: Fees charged for filing a claim or application with the court.
  2. Hearing fees: Fees charged for attending a court hearing.
  3. Disbursement fees: Fees charged for the cost of serving documents or other court-related expenses.

Court Services

The court services in New Zealand include:

  1. Court administration: The management of court records, scheduling of court hearings, and provision of court services.
  2. Court reporting: The provision of court reporters to record court proceedings.
  3. Court interpreting: The provision of interpreters to assist parties who do not speak English.
  4. Court security: The provision of security services to ensure the safety of court users and staff.