NZSC

Supreme Court of New Zealand

NZ's apex court. Established by the Supreme Court Act 2003 and operational from 1 July 2004, replacing appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. Hears civil, criminal, and constitutional matters by leave. The Supreme Court Act and successor Senior Courts Act 2016 govern its jurisdiction. Notable decisions: Couch v Attorney-General (exemplary damages alongside ACC bar), R v Hansen (BORA s 6 limits), Spencer on Byron (leaky homes commercial buildings), Ellis v R (tikanga Māori as part of common law).

Jurisdiction

New Zealand

Founded

2004 (replacing PC appeals)

Composition

5 sitting Judges including the Chief Justice

Appeals from

Court of Appeal (by leave on matter of public importance)

14 decisions in our library