Privy Council (NZ appeals, pre-2004)

Until 2003, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London was the final appellate court for New Zealand. Appeals were abolished by the Supreme Court Act 2003, with the new NZSC taking over from 1 July 2004. PC decisions on NZ matters remain binding precedent unless overruled by the Supreme Court. Notable PC decisions on NZ law: Frazer v Walker (Torrens indefeasibility), Invercargill City Council v Hamlin (territorial-authority negligent inspection — NZ departure from Murphy v Brentwood), Wagon Mound No 1 (reasonable foreseeability remoteness), Bottrill v A (exemplary damages standard pre-Couch).

Jurisdiction

Commonwealth (NZ appeals abolished 2003)

Founded

1833 (Judicial Committee Act); abolished for NZ 2003

Composition

Senior UK Supreme Court justices + Commonwealth judges

4 decisions in our library