Prep A - The Legal and Judicial System Flashcards Preview

Police Studies > Prep A - The Legal and Judicial System > Flashcards

Flashcards in Prep A - The Legal and Judicial System Deck (10)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is the hierarchical order of the courts within the judicial system of New Zealand from the lowest to the highest?

A

District Court, High Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court.

2
Q

What does the doctrine of precedent mean?

A

Means that lower courts are bound to observe the decisions of higher ones, but courts of equal status are not bound to follow each other.

3
Q

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

A

To hear and decide on cases appealing from the Court of Appeals.

4
Q

What is the role of the Court of Appeals?

A

To hear and decide on cases appealing from the High Court (and some from the District Court). Appeals go to the Supreme Court.

5
Q

What is the role of the High Court?

A

To hear and decide on Category 4 offences. Appeals go to Court of Appeals. Hears appeals from District Court (Judge-alone) and youth and family courts.

6
Q

What is the role of the District Court?

A

Hears and decides on Cat 1, 2, and some 3 offences. Appeals go to the High Court or Court of Appeals.

7
Q

Define a Category 1 offence.

A

An offence that carries a penalty of a fine only.

8
Q

Define a Category 2 offence.

A

An offence that carries a prison term of less than two years, or a fine or community-based sentence, or a combination of the latter two.

9
Q

Define a Category 3 offence.

A

An offence that carries a prison term of more than two years, with the right to elect trial by jury.

10
Q

Define a Category 4 offence.

A

An offence that must be tried in the High Court.