Common Court Terms in New Zealand: What First-Time Clients Need to Know
If you’re going to court for the first time, the legal language can be overwhelming. You might hear unfamiliar terms being used by judges, lawyers, or police and feel unsure of what they mean or what’s expected of you.
At Anj Singh Law, I believe in clear, respectful communication. You deserve to understand what’s happening in your case, every step of the way. This guide explains some of the most common court terms in plain language—so you can walk into court more informed and more confident.
1. Charge
A charge is the formal accusation that you have broken the law. It tells you what offence you are being prosecuted for, such as assault, theft, or drug possession.
2. Defendant
If you have been charged with an offence, you are known as the defendant in the case.
3. Disclosure
Disclosure refers to the evidence the police or prosecution must give your lawyer. This includes witness statements, CCTV footage, photos, or any material they plan to use against you in court.
4. Plea
At your first court appearance, you will be asked to enter a plea:
Guilty – admitting the charge
Not guilty – denying the charge and asking for a trial
If you are unsure what to plead, you can ask for more time to speak with a lawyer before deciding.
5. Bail
Bail is when the court allows you to stay in the community while your case is ongoing. It often comes with conditions, like living at a certain address, not contacting certain people, or reporting to the police.
6. Remand
Remand means you are being held in custody while you wait for your next court date. You can be remanded on bail (released) or in custody (detained at a prison or youth justice facility).
7. Sentencing
If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the judge will hold a sentencing hearing to decide the appropriate penalty. This could include a fine, community work, supervision, home detention, or imprisonment.
8. Diversion
Police diversion is a scheme for first-time offenders. If accepted, you complete certain conditions (like an apology or counselling) and the charge is withdrawn, leaving you without a conviction.
9. Discharge Without Conviction
Under Section 106 of the Sentencing Act, the court can choose to discharge you without conviction if the consequences of a conviction would be out of proportion to the offence. This can help protect your job, visa, or future plans.
10. Cultural Report (Section 27 Report)
This is a special report presented at sentencing that tells the court about your personal, family, and cultural background. It explains the context behind the offending and can support a lighter sentence or a discharge without conviction.
11. Victim Impact Statement
If someone was harmed by the offence, they may provide a victim impact statement explaining how they were affected. The judge will read this when deciding the sentence.
12. Suppression Order
A suppression order stops your name or identifying details from being published by media. You can apply for this if publicity would cause serious harm to you or others.
13. Adjournment
If the case needs to be delayed for more preparation, the court may adjourn it to a later date.
14. Represented vs. Unrepresented
If you have a lawyer speaking for you in court, you are represented. If you do not have a lawyer, you are unrepresented and must speak for yourself. It is always best to have legal representation, especially for serious charges.
Why This Matters
When you understand the terms being used in court, you can:
Follow your case more clearly
Make better decisions
Feel more confident in meetings with your lawyer
Know when something needs to be challenged or explained
Legal language should never be a barrier to justice. I always explain legal processes in a way that’s straightforward and respectful.
Legal Guidance That Speaks Your Language
If you’re going through the justice system for the first time, I can help you every step of the way without jargon or judgment.
📞 Contact Us Now at Anj Singh Law today for clear advice and strong representation. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported.
