Judicial System of New Zealand

Supreme court: Supreme Court

Ministry: Justice

The Supreme Court was established in 2004 as the final court of appeal, replacing the UK’s Privy Council. The High Court and District Court have jurisdiction in both civil and criminal matters, the High Court for the most serious cases. In the more serious criminal cases, whether in the High Court or District Court, defendants have the right to a jury trial. The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and from trials by jury in the District Court, and the High Court hears appeals from the lower courts and tribunals.

The Family Court is a division of the District Court, and Justices of the Peace deal with minor criminal cases. The specialised tribunals include the Employment Tribunal, the Disputes Tribunal, the Waitangi Tribunal, the Environment Court and the Deportation Review Tribunal.