Projects
CourtKeys – Access to Justice
Plain-language legal information for the public
CourtKeys.com was an access-to-justice project founded in 2013 with the aim of making legal processes in New Zealand more understandable and accessible to the public.
The project centred on a freely available website that explained common legal issues and court processes in plain language, with a particular focus on civil litigation and procedural understanding.
Purpose and approach
CourtKeys was developed in response to a recurring problem: many people involved in legal disputes struggled not only with outcomes, but with understanding the process itself.
The project sought to:
- explain legal concepts without technical jargon
- answer frequently asked questions about court processes
- reduce informational barriers to justice
- support informed decision-making by non-lawyers
Content was written clearly and practically, while remaining grounded in New Zealand law and court practice.
Scope of content
The CourtKeys website included articles on:
- civil court processes and procedure
- initiating and responding to legal claims
- court documents and filing requirements
- costs and practical considerations
- alternative dispute resolution options
The material was designed for members of the public, self-represented litigants, and others seeking an introductory understanding of legal processes.
Relationship to published work
The CourtKeys project directly informed the later development of the book Civil Litigation for Non-Lawyers.
Much of the CourtKeys content was subsequently:
- reviewed
- updated
- expanded
- reorganised
and rewritten into book form, reflecting changes in law and practice and providing a more structured, comprehensive guide.
Current status
CourtKeys.com was discontinued in 2018.
However, a significant portion of the original material is now hosted on this website as an archival resource. Each article clearly notes its original publication on CourtKeys and directs readers to the 2021 book for updated information.
The archived content remains available for historical context and general background, while current guidance is contained in later published work.
Why this project remains relevant
CourtKeys reflects a long-standing commitment to:
- access to justice
- clarity in legal communication
- public legal education
- demystifying legal systems
These same principles continue to inform my work as a barrister, arbitrator, and mediator.
Related resources
- Archived CourtKeys articles (see Resources)
- Civil Litigation for Non-Lawyers (published 2021)
Enquiries
General enquiries about the CourtKeys project or related publications may be directed through the contact details on this site.
Email: martin@martindillon.nz
Phone: +64 21 144 0486