High Court of the Cook Islands
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The High Court of the Cook Islands is the court of first instance in the Cook Islands. It has general jurisdiction and responsibility under the Constitution of the Cook Islands for the administration of justice in the Cook Islands.[1] The Court is established by part IV of the Constitution of the Cook Islands.[2]
The Court consists of the Chief Justice of the Cook Islands, a number of other Judges, and Justices of the Peace. Judges must have practiced as a barrister in New Zealand or another Commonwealth or designated country for at least seven years, or hold or have held office as a Judge of the High Court of New Zealand, Court of Appeal of New Zealand, Supreme Court of New Zealand, or an equivalent office in a Commonwealth or designated country.[3] Judges of the New Zealand Māori Land Court are appointed to the Land Division.[4] Non-resident Judges are appointed for a three-year term;[5] other Judges are appointed for life.
The Court sits mainly in Avarua, but also holds hearings in Aitutaki and Atiu.