Resources
Legal resources
Plain-language legal information and reference material
This section of the website provides access to a curated collection of plain-language legal articles covering civil law and legal process in New Zealand.
The material is intended to assist members of the public, students, and others seeking general background information about legal procedures and dispute resolution.
Important note on currency
Many of the articles in this section were originally published on CourtKeys in 2015 as part of an access-to-justice initiative.
While the content remains useful for understanding general legal concepts and processes, some material may now be out of date. Updated and revised information is contained in the book Civil Litigation for Non-Lawyers.
These resources should be read as general information only and not as legal advice.
This section explains non-court methods of resolving disputes, including mediation and arbitration. The articles provide general information about how alternative dispute resolution processes operate and when they may be used.
This section contains illustrative examples used to explain how legal issues and processes may arise in practice. The examples are simplified and are not intended to reflect current law or specific factual situations.
These articles explain how costs may arise in civil litigation and how courts approach costs awards. Tables and examples are used to illustrate general principles.
This section contains general information about community law centres and the role they play in providing legal assistance and public legal education.
These articles outline the general process for bringing and defending claims in the Disputes Tribunal. The material explains how the Tribunal works and what parties can expect procedurally.
Articles in this section explain aspects of civil procedure in the District Court. They are intended to assist readers in understanding how civil cases progress through that court.
Articles in this section address general employment law concepts and dispute processes. The material is introductory and does not reflect ongoing developments in employment law.
This section brings together articles that provide an overview of civil litigation as a process, from commencement through to resolution. It is intended as a high-level reference rather than a step-by-step manual.
This section contains a plain-language guide explaining criminal trial procedures in the District Court and High Court of New Zealand, written from the perspective of people charged with criminal offences.
The guide focuses on trial processes only and does not cover other stages of criminal cases. It is general information, not legal advice.
This section provides general information about civil proceedings in the High Court of New Zealand, including procedural steps and case management concepts.
This section provides plain-language explanations of commonly used legal terms. The definitions are intended as general explanations rather than technical or exhaustive meanings.
This section provides general information about legal aid, including eligibility concepts and how the scheme operates at a high level.
Articles in this section describe the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal and its procedures, including the types of claims that may be brought before it.
This section explains the role of the Residential Tenancy Tribunal and the types of disputes it hears. The articles focus on process and structure rather than current substantive law.
Articles in this section discuss common legal forms and documents in a general way. The material explains purpose and structure, not current filing requirements.
Articles in this section discuss when and how lawyers may be involved in legal matters, including different types of legal services and professional roles.
