The law of New Zealand consists of the common law, statute law enacted by the New Zealand parliament, a number of United Kingdom laws which are still in force, regulations, by-laws and other forms of subordinate legislation. When applying the common law, New Zealand courts take into account common law principles developed in New Zealand and countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
All courts exercise both criminal and civil jurisdiction.
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the final appeal tribunal. The Court of Appeal is the highest appeal court and exercises an appeal jurisdiction only. In criminal matters the Court of Appeal hears appeals against convictions and sentences imposed in the High Court or District Court. The decisions of this court are final except where an appeal lies to the Judicial Commission of the Privy Council. The jurisdiction of the High Court is very wide.