Story: Judicial system

Specialist courts: Family Court (1st of 3)

Specialist courts: Family Court

The Family Court is a specialist court which is a division of the District Court. It deals with a range of family issues, mainly to do with the care of children. In the 1980s the layout of courtrooms was changed to create a more informal and relaxed atmosphere, to help people discuss and resolve differences without the need for more formal court proceedings. In this staged photograph, the judge acts as mediator in a discussion between a couple considering divorce. The lawyers sit closest to each other, with their clients on either side.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference: EP/1980/3249

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Philip A. Joseph and Thomas Joseph, 'Judicial system - High, district and specialist courts', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33946/specialist-courts-family-court (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Philip A. Joseph and Thomas Joseph, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 11 Oct 2016