Title | Author | Director | Genre | Year | Useful-ness | Themes | Summary | References | Publisher | Original Year |
| 1951 | Smith, Peter A | | Novel | 2003 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Appearance of courtroom | Court procedure | Public/ admin law | Law students | Legal history | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Law as a tool of oppression | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Routine of court procedure | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Role of the media | Individual rights vs public safety | Politics and law | Obstructive nature of government | Importance of due process | | About the 1951 waterfront workers strike.
Bush lawyer- Arbitration court- Alternative dispute resolution- Government imposing draconian laws - Breach of natural justice- Freedom of speech- Civil liberties- Lawyer saving the day- Industrial law | pp 22-23, 52-53, 104-105, 114-119, 124-131, 232-233, 236-237, 272-273 | David Ling Publishing, Auckland | |
| A Fancy Man | McCauley, Sue | | Novel | 1996 | 1 | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Court procedure | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Speed of justice | Corruption in the legal system | Perceptions of judges | Importance of advocacy | Law as a game | Coercive power of the law | Distrust of the legal system | Law as a tool of oppression | Corruption in the legal system | Trial scene where a working class man is acquitted.
Unprincipled laws breed unprincipled tactics. Aloof judge. | pp 131-151,205-211 | Vintage, Auckland | |
| "a nearly fifty year old woman to another" in The Pohutukawa-Beringen Tree | Marshall, Theresia Liemlienio | | Poetry | 1993 | 3 | Legal ramifications of divorce | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Perceptions of judges | Injustice | Law as a tool of oppression | Marriage break-up.
Husbands coming out of marriage break-ups in a stronger position than wives. Old boys network. | pp 58-59 | Griffin Press, Auckland | |
| A Red Silk Sea | Ranstead, Gillian | | Novel | 2005 | 5 | Perceptions of lawyers | Law students | Law school | Law as route to power | | Features a law student character.
Emphasis of case law in legal studies. Large amount of reading for legal studies. | pp 82, 322 | Penguin, Auckland | |
| "A Rope for Harry Fat" in J E Weir (ed) Collected Poems: James K Baxter | Baxter, James K | | Poetry | 1979 | 2 | Law and religion | Perceptions of judges | Personification of 'The law' | Youth and law | Judge as God | Use of violence by legal system | Mercy | Importance of jury | | A young man is about to be hanged.
Personification of legal concepts (ie. Mercy, Justice) | pp 163-164 | Oxford University Press, Wellington | |
| A Sonnet for the City | Noonan, Diana | | Novel | 1992 | 3 | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Sentencing issues | Corruption in the legal system | Politics and law | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | | Court scene - Student protest.
Importance of physical appearance- "what did one wear to a court hearing?" | pp 112-117 | McIndoe Publishers, Dunedin | |
| "A Temporary Metamorphosis" in Lovers and Other People | Southam, Barry | | Poetry | 1973 | 3 | Personification of 'The Law' | Distrust of the legal system | Women in law | Law as a vehicle to effect change | | Conversation between a hitchhiker and a traffic cop about the devastation of the cop's family (cancer and car accident).
The way the law can be used to prevent harm and misery- Negligence of law (why wasn't it there when we needed it?) | p 54 | Pegasus Press, Christchurch | |
| Absent without Leave | Edwards, James with Tetley, Graeme | Laing, John | Feature Film | 1993 | 4 | Law as a tool of oppression | Difference between civilian law and martial law | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Man alone on the run from the law | | A soldier goes AWOL and deserts. He is found, charged and court marshalled under the Army Act. | | Meridian Film Productions, in association with the NZ Film Commission, NZ on Air and Avalon NFU Studios | |
| "Albatrosses, The" in Villon in Millerton | Norcliffe, James | | Poetry | 2004 | 3 | Perceptions of judges | Inflexibility of the legal system | Nature used as a contrast to law | | A poem about albatrosses, comparing them to judges.
Inflexibility of the legal system- "all is litigated and written already". | p 35 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| Amokura | Mitchell, June | | Novel | 1978 | 3 | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Land issues | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Legal history | Perceptions of judges | Importance of advocacy | | Land Claims 1860s-1870s - Otaki region.
Maori vs Pakeha concepts of land sale and ownership. Manipulation of legal proceedings. Maori customary law. Chaotic, unfair, and inadequate approach of the Native Land Court. | pp 75, 77-79, 82-85, 89-101 | Longman Paul, Auckland | |
| Another Man's Role | Grover, Ray | | Novel | 1967 | 2 | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Perceptions of lawyers | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Judge as god | Elitism of the law | Witnesses | Sentencing issues | Politics and law | | Preliminary hearing at Magistrates' court - Murder trial - Convicted - Petition to prevent hanging is unsuccessful
Stereotypical perceptions: prosecution as solid, dull, dispassionate, factually based; Defence as rich, dramatic, passionate. Death Penalty issues. Role of Governor General. Chaotic nature of law (justice as a circus, judge as a clown). | pp 128-134 | Blackwood & Janet Paul, Auckland | |
| "Apnoea" in Hui | Glover, Marewa | | Poetry | 2001 | 3 | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Hypocrisy of law | Law as a tool of oppression | | Native Health Act 1909 author uses another statute (mistake in law) which forbade Maori women from breastfeeding their babies | p 24 | Marewa Glover, Auckland | |
| "April 1870, At Onoke" in Atua Wera | Smithyman, Kendrick | | Poetry | 1997 | 4 | Law and religion | Judge as God | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Legal history | | Papahurihia movement.
"Chief Justice is a prophet" cf Judge as God. | p 193 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| Awful Childhoods | Macrae, Ann | | Novel | 1988 | 1 | Speed of justice | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Elitism of the law | Law and religion | Separation of powers | Contract law | Court procedure | Perceptions of judges | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Appearance of courtroom | Perceptions of lawyers | Use of law to discover truth | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Youth and law | Natural law | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Corruption in the legal system | Distrust of the legal system | Witnesses | | About a women fighting for a child to get his paternity and inheritance recognised. Extended trial scene.
Excitement of cross examination. Long drawn out legal process. Solemn atmosphere of court. Difficulty of finding the truth in court. Criminal sanction as deterrent. Court unaccepting of outsiders. Dishonesty in the legal system eg swearing false affidavits. Lack of certainty in the law. "Only the rich or the trendy get justice...for the rest of us there's the law". Justice as an idealised concept. Lack of trust in lawyers. God's justice compared with legal justice. Marriage being laws ways of subjugating women. Judicial independence in NZ. Legal realism. Influence of social standards on judicial decision making. Court as a church metaphor "church of justice". | pp 40-41, 47, 92-97, 122-124, 126-7, 135, 137, 142-148, 154-156, 167-89, 194-96, 204. | Hodder Stoughton, Auckland | |
| Bad Blood | Brown, Andrew based on the novel by Willis, Howard | Newell, Mike | Feature Film | 1981 | 2 | Law as a tool of oppression | Importance of due process | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Common man facing the law | Frustration with the legal system | Use of violence by legal system | Absence of law | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Coercive power of the law | Individual rights vs public safety | Man alone on the run from the law | | Based on the true story of a twelve day manhunt on the West Coast of the South Island. Stanley Graham, a local farmer is in danger of losing his farm and becomes increasingly paranoid, has his fire arms confiscated, then later shoots and kills seven police officers.
Duty of law enforcement officers to enforce the law. Law versus violence as the means to resolve disputes. | 15, 29, 32, 36, 38, 43, 46, 62, 65 mins | Southern Pictures | |
| Both Sides of the Moon | Duff, Alan | | Novel | 1998 | 2 | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Speed of justice | Youth and law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Absence of law | Sentencing issues | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | | Maori boy, retelling story of how he beat up a group of youth - Convicted - Sentenced to borstal establishment
Desire for a short trial seems more important than desire for justice. | pp 215-219 | Random House, Auckland | |
| "Box/Role/Dream" in Vivienne Plumb (ed) Red Light means Stop: Six Super Solos from Aotearoa New Zealand | Chanwau-Earle, Lynda | | Play | 2003 | 5 | Treaty criticism/ issues | Youth and law | Law as a tool of oppression | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Tino Rangatiratanga | | About a Maori man recalling his life in a borstal. Refers to a treaty preceding the Treaty of Waitangi which confers to his people specific rights. He wants to make the story of the treaty into a movie (showed it to Lee Tamahori). | p 45-49, 58 | The Women's Play Press, Wellington | |
| Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies | Ihimaera, Witi | | Novel | 1994 | 1 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Racism of the law | Importance of jury | Perceptions of judges | Elitism of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Appearance of courtroom | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Law as a tool of oppression | | Novel set in small Maori community. About the rivalry between two Maori families which spans the 20th century.
The formality and officiousness of the court alienating Maori cf court scene in "Once Were Warriors". Culturally insensitive jury. Elite English manner of the legal profession. Trial as a spectacle. Judge as a hunter (gavel cf gun shot, conviction cf deer antlers): a hunting metaphor. Court as a vehicle for discrimination. | pp 185-191 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| "Bureaucracy" in History through Poetry | Young, Phil | | Poetry | 2006 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Legal jargon | Jurisprudence | Access to justice | | About the bureaucracy and the law being set up to help the rich.
Legal cliches eg. "Our ignorance is no excuse to the law". | pp 7, 11, 13-14 | Sovereign Books, Hamilton | |
| "Card Games" in Mixed Singles | Southam, Barry | | Short Story | 1981 | 3 | Speed of justice | Law as a game | Natural law | Coercive power of the law | | Legal procedure under the Property and Tenancy Acts. | pp 114-117 | Caveman Press, Dunedin | |
| Carry Me Back | Morton, Derek, Aberdein, Keith and Reid, John | Reid, John | Feature Film | 1982 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Stereotypical tasks of a lawyer | Two brothers take their father out for the weekend. Father dies, boys need to return his body to the farm and bury it to make it appear he died there to satisfy the clause in his will so they can inherit the property. | | Kiwi Films | |
| Cemetery Lake | Cleave, Paul | | Novel | 2008 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Court procedure | Importance of due process | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Vigilantism as justice | Importance of advocacy | Role of the media | Law and popular culture | Witnesses | Sentencing issues | | Set in Christchurch about a detective in Christchurch who enters into a downward spiral after an accident with a drunk driver destroys his family. He is later charged with drink driving and severely injuring the daughter of his lawyer. His lawyer seeks revenge. Tate is arrested and asks for a lawyer. Lawyer character Donovan Green plays a large role in the plot.
The more expensive the lawyer the better the lawyer. Lethal nature of cross-examination. Inferior nature of court appointed lawyers. Lawyer shoots client with a taser cf. Denny Crane in Boston Legal. Inaccessibility of legal documents to lay people. | pp 116, 138, 156-8, 195-6,212-4, 270-1, 276-8 | Random House, Auckland | |
| "change is necessary" in Stones in Her Mouth | Potiki, Roma | | Poetry | 1992 | 4 | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | Politics and law | Legal history | Treaty criticism/ issues | | The necessity of change in the NZ legal and political system especially in relation to justice for Maori. | pp 34 | IWA Associates, Auckland | |
| "Changes" in Stay at the Dinner Party | McAlpine, Rachel | | Poetry | 1977 | 4 | Routine of court procedure | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Law as ineffective | Feminism vs patriarchal system | Legal jargon | Politics and law | | Person approaching the legal system | | Caveman Press, Dunedin | |
| Chemistry | Wilkins, Damien | | Novel | 2002 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Violence against women | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Appearance of courtroom | Speed of justice | Use of law to discover truth | Law in literature within law in literature | Novel with interlinking plots revolving around drugs. One character, Shane, murders a policeman. Murder trial begins on p 294 observed by Shane's girlfriend. Defence pleading temporary insanity. Female judge. Guilty verdict.
Novel also explores the issues of illegal drugs and domestic violence. Law in popular culture, reference to "Once Were Warriors" on p 283. | pp 270,281-286, 290, 294-295, 297-302 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| Children of the Poor | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1990 | 2 | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of judges | Law and religion | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Routine of court procedure | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Sentencing issues | Youth and law | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Criminal stigma | | Same storyline as novel as famous NZ novel by John A Lee.
(See Lee reference in database). | pp 82-98 | Hazard Press, Christchurch | |
| Children of the Poor | Lee, John A | | Novel | 1973 | 1 | Youth and law | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Criminal stigma | Corruption in the legal system | Importance of advocacy | Personification of 'The Law' | Appearance of courtroom | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Law and religion | Law as entertainment/ drama | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | | Novel about a juvenile delinquent, brought up in poverty, whose life spirals out of control, and is taken to court.
Cycle of poverty. Manipulation of the law by the wealthy. Law during the depression. | pp 220-255 | Reprint Whitcombe and Tumbs, 1973 | 1934 |
| Claim, The | Marshall, Sally | | Novel | 1994 | 3 | Treaty criticism/ issues | Land issues | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Public gallery as audience | Youth and law | Natural law | Violence against women | | Waitangi Tribunal claim - Lesbian Maori Activist - Prison scene - Abusive relationships.
Prisoner's "justice" within the penal system. | pp 26-33,39-41,62-75 | Huia Publishers, Wellington | |
| Coal Flat | Pearson, Bill | | Novel | 1963 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Law and religion | Court procedure | Cause celebre trials | Conducting own defence | Law as entertainment/ drama | Perceptions of judges | Role of the media | Youth and law | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Natural law | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Use of law to discover truth | Importance of advocacy | Ethics | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Witnesses | Importance of jury | Adversarial nature of the legal system | | To do with a trial on the West Coast - A man has been accused of sexually abusing a student - He is a teacher - He is innocent and is found not guilty.
Lawyer's obligation to accept client. Examination in chief. Cross examination. Innocent man "gets off". | pp 323-326, 328-344, 346-353, 397-401, 409-410 | Paul's Book Arcade, Auckland | |
| Coaltown Blues | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1986 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | Individual rights vs public safety | Politics and law | | Coal mining - Workers rights in the 1930s | pp 8, 15, 38 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| "Court" in Open Road Poems | Mehlhopt, Raymond | | Poetry | 1988 | 3 | Devastation from child custody cases | Law as a game | Perceptions of judges | Legal ramifications of divorce | Frustration with the legal system | | Domestic dispute between father and his sister-in-law.
Family Court bias against fathers. | pp 16-17 | Seagull Press, Christchurch | |
| Cousins | Grace, Patricia | | Novel | 1992 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Treaty criticism/ issues | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Arrest procedure | Legal history | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | | Pre 1850 trial scene in colonial New Zealand | pp 206-217 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Crime Story | Gee, Maurice | | Novel | 1994 | 3 | Role of the media | Appearance of courtroom | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Perceptions of lawyers | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | | Fairly detailed court description- Man attends his son's trial to support him (for theft)
Invasiveness of the media to victims and their families. Lawyers as predators/ fish ("lawyers like barracuda cruising the reef"). | pp 140-164 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Crooked Earth | McGee, Greg, Shortland, Waihoroi | Pillsbury, Sam | Feature Film | 2000 | 1 | Absence of law | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Treaty criticism/ issues | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | Land issues | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | Frustration with the legal system | | Set against the background of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement for foresty rights on the East Coast of the North Island. A drug dealing gang reject the treaty settlement and try to create their own Maori revolution using violence. Law is powerless to intervene and eventually the dispute is resolved through violence, Maori against Maori. Specific representation of the Treaty Settlement process (at 43 mins). Specific reference to Treaty Settlements eg. Ngai Tahu (at 54 mins). Treaty Settlement process seen through Maori perspective. | 1, 20, 27, 31, 34, 40, 43, 54,56, 62, 93, 101 mins | Communicado in association with NZFC | |
| Danger Zone | Shadbolt, Maurice | | Novel | 1975 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Appearance of courtroom | International law | Politics and law | Stereotypical tasks of a lawyer | Law in literature within law in literature | Use of trial as dramatic construct | | Men sail to Mururoa Atoll to protest French Nuclear testing.
Activist lawyer. Actual boring routine of being a lawyer. Expectations of lawyers- knowing how to argue. Character involved in a courtroom scene. | pp 2-3, 13, 20-21, 41, 69, 143, 148-149, 159, 168 | Hodder & Stoughton, Auckland | |
| Dangerous Orphans | Smith, Kevin | Laing, John | Feature Film | 1986 | 5 | Perceptions of lawyers | Corruption in the legal system | Role of police in the criminal justice system | Vigilantism as justice | | Three friends and orphans avenge the death of their father. They eventually get revenge on the killer by planting drugs on him. The killer is shot in a drug raid by the police.
Crooked lawyers disbarred. | 49, 55, 74 mins | Cinepro in association with the NZ Film Commission | |
| Daughters of Heaven | Forster, Michelanne | | Play | 1992 | 1 | Role of the media | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Court procedure | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Ethics | Importance of advocacy | Law as a game | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Natural law | Use of law to discover truth | Witnesses | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Necessity of confessions | Cause celebre trials | | About the infamous trial of Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme, who murdered Juliet's mother in 1954. Scene 12= cross examination of Juliet's mother by the Crown Prosecutor. Cross examination of expert witnesses.
Role of media in swaying jury. "Objectivity of British Justice". Courtroom as a dramatic structure setting the context for each flashback scene. Insanity defence. Law and morlaity "I know we've broken the law, but morally we are without fault". Rule of law- all are equal under the law. Judge's prejudiced against homosexuality. Criminal standard of proof- beyond reasonable doubt. Immutability of the law "But the law is the law. Like God is God. You can't remake the universe to suit yourself. The universe is, and you fit into it". | pp 7, 10-11, 17-19, 27, 30, 34, 39, 49-50, 53-5, 60, 63, 65, 67, 70-80 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| "Deposition" in The Dwarf and the Stripper | Sinclair, Stephen | | Poetry | 2003 | 4 | Sentencing issues | Legal history | Routine of court procedure | Law in literature within law in literature | Law as a tool of oppression | | Poem subjected to judgment, like a depositions hearing.
Law as the friend of some and enemy of others. | p 7 | Addenda Ltd, Auckland | |
| Dream of Nikau Jam, The | Hawes, Peter | | Novel | 2000 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Court procedure | Witnesses | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Speed of justice | Perceptions of judges | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Importance of jury | Perceptions of judges | Use of law to discover truth | | A man is charged with violating protected Nikau palms - Court scene involving a slick lawyer and an incompetent lawyer - Defendant wins due to Judge's fact-finding mission - Set in Westport.
Slick urban lawyer vs rural hick. Expert witnesses. Expense of trial by jury. | pp 128-161 | Random House, Auckland | |
| Echoes of my Sisters | Alexander, Vonnie | | Novel | 1996 | 4 | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Sentencing issues | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Appearance of courtroom | Role of the media | Trial scene - Told from perspective of female partner observing trial - Theft of drugs - Preliminary hearing in courtroom - Bill is found guilty - Doctor is friend who stole drugs to help Bill - Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment | pp 163-165 | Quoin Press, Christchurch | |
| End of the Century at the End of the World, The | Stead, C.K. | | Novel | 1992 | 4 | Perceptions of lawyers | Law as route to power | Lawyer's wife | Law students | | A wife of a lawyer - Mature English lit student. Alternative law student. | pp 9,108-109 | Harvill, London | |
| Enemy Territory | Sandys, Elspeth | | Novel | 1997 | 1 | Law and religion | Role of the media | Appearance of courtroom | Court procedure | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Land issues | Legal jargon | Perceptions of judges | Perceptions of lawyers | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Importance of advocacy | Witnesses | Law school | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Importance of jury | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Racism of the law | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Public/ admin law | Legal history | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Perceptions of law firms | Elitism of the law | Parental pressure to go into law | Legal ramifications of divorce | Distrust of the legal system | Use of law to discover truth | | Colonial trial - land dispute between Maori and Pakeha - about a male lawyer, from an upper class family, father who is a lawyer, with high expectations for his son - He marries, has a child, his wife finds an alternative lifestyle includingdrugs and adultery. The couple divorce and a court custody battle ensues. The estranged wife comes into her own, cleans up her act, and re-opens a case from early NZ legal history in which she believes a man was wrongly sentenced to death. She enlists the help of a Maori lawyer and the man is acquitted posthumously. The estranged couple get back together and it ends happily.
Ethics- lawyers have to take cases even if they don't like the client. Dickensian characters. Use of dramatic means to persuade. Advocacy issues (negligence cf "The Dream of Nikau Jam"). Vulture nature of the media in court hearings. Religious imagery in courthouse. Language barriers in court. Court as harsh and unwelcoming. Judge as lead actor, registrar and typist as supporting actors, jury as audience, media as Greek chorus, title of drama Grieve vs Grieve, lawyers as players, Bible as prop, stage as judge's podium. Legal fees. | pp 3-23, 55, 72-73, 77, 88, 125, 147, 192-193, 217-218, 228, 231, 234, 237-240, 299, 308-311, 313-317, 321-326, 332, 339, 347, 357, 363 | Sceptre (Hodder & Stoughton), London | |
| Erebus: The Aftermath | McGee, Greg | Sharp, Peter | TV mini-series | 1987 | 1 | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of judges | Politics and law | Powerful judges | Importance of due process | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Use of law to discover truth | Routine of court procedure | Public/ admin law | Witnesses | Justice | | Focus on the legal and political aftermath of the Erebus crash, in particular the Royal Commission of Inquiry lead by Justice Mahon into the cause of the crash. Mahon finds Air NZ responsible and accuses their management of participating in "an orchestrated litany of lies". Number of scenes involving the lawyer in the inquiry committee room. Examples of cross examination eg. the head of Air NZ. Court of Appeal and Privy Council scenes. Number of key legal figures portrayed eg. Ted Thomas, George Barton, Lord Diplock, David Baragwanath, Sir Owen Woodhouse, Robert Muldoon.
Top lawyers defending Air NZ. Judicial autonomy- Constitution Act 1986. Danger of breaking ranks in the legal profession, principles of natural justice (judicial review), appeal to Privy Council. | | TVNZ | |
| Fainter, The | Wilkins, Damien | | Novel | 2006 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Law school | Law students | International law | Women in law firms/ legal profession | | Key character, Luke, is a law graduate and young diplomat posted at the Hague. References to international law and institutions, including the International Court of Justice (Nuclear Testing cases). Has an affair with a female law lecturer (of similar age) while a postgrad student. Reference to a female lawyer helping out in case against a cheese factory later in the book. | 13-28, 85-6, 320-1 | Victoria University Press | |
| "Fan Club, The" in The Age Of Light | Wilson, Simon | | Short Story | 1994 | 4 | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Law as route to power | | An ambitious woman who becomes a lawyer.
Author exaggerates reality- 28 year old lawyer on $250,000. | p 93 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Farewell Speech | McAlpine, Rachel | | Novel | 1990 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Perceptions of judges | Inequality of men and women in the legal system | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Court procedure | Legal history | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Politics and law | | Suffragette movement in the 1890s - Kate Shepherd.
Questioning if women can make good judges | pp 48,58,165 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Feathers of Peace | Barclay, Barry | Barclay, Barry | Doco drama | 2000 | 1 | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Injustice | Racism of the law | Legal history | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Routine of court procedure | Absence of law | | Doco drama with a mixture of historical fact and dramatic reconstructions. Follows the invasion of the Chatham Islands by the Maori, subjugation and massacre of the Moriori people and the subsequent unsuccessful struggle of the Moriori to have their land rights recognised by the Native Land Court. Features scenes of a Native Land Court hearing. Uses the dramatic technique of interviewing key historical figures in a mordern context.
Specific issues include Moriori customary law, law based on discussion (Moriori) versus law based on might (Maori), oppression of Moriori by Maori and Pakeha, native title, the inability of the law to prevent slavery, inflexibility of the Native Land Court. | 32, 33, 50, 58, 64, 66, 73, 75, 77, 78, 83, 89 mins | He Taonga Films | |
| First Offender | Berry, Ken | | Novel | 1980 | 2 | Importance of advocacy | Access to justice | Court procedure | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Corruption in the legal system | Perceptions of lawyers | Legal jargon | Sentencing issues | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Adversarial nature of the legal system | | Trial scene - Stereotypical white collar criminal who is miserable, rich, white - Misappropriation - Trying to buy justice | pp 8-11 | William Collins Publishers, Auckland | |
| "Food - Shelter - Love - and Honest Philosophy" in Concrete Reality | Shadbolt, Tim | | Poetry | 1981 | 4 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Access to justice | Distrust of the legal system | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Law as a tool of oppression | | Robin Hood approach to law and order.
Advocating a change of the legal system from its oppressive, elitist state, to a more accessible one. | | Republican Press, Dunedin | |
| Fools on the Hill, The | Lay, Graeme | | Novel | 1998 | 2 | Law students | Importance of Advocacy | Perceptions of judges | Conducting own defence | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Perceptions of lawyers | Sentencing issues | Politics and law | | Students are arrested for minor offence and a law student gets them acquitted - Trial scene where the law student is now a lawyer defending someone on a charge of obscenity.
Diversion. | pp 150-159,228-229 | Century Hutchinson New Zealand, Auckland | |
| For Good | McKenzie, Stuart | McKenzie, Stuart | Feature Film | 2003 | 2 | Absence of law | Vigilantism as justice | Role of the media | Distrust of the legal system | Violence against women | Frustration with the legal system | Parole | Distrust of the legal system | Law as ineffective | | Ten years after the rape and murder of a 13 year old girl the rapist is up for parole. A friend of the murdered girl poses as a journalist and interviews the rapist and the girl's parents. Rapist eventually given parole, rearrested and commits suicide in prison. Attempts at restorative justice fail.
The inflammatory role of the media in high profile criminal cases. Liberal weakness of the NZ justice system. | 5, 16, 34, 47, 70, 74, 75 mins | Map Film Productions/ NZ Film Commission | |
| "For Pat Hickey 1882-1930" in The Iron Bush | Weir, J.E. | | Poetry | 1970 | 5 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Legal history | Law as a tool of oppression | | Poem dedicated to Hickey the militant union leader from the 1910s - mentions major industrial disputes such as Waihi Miners' Strike 1912/Massey's Cossacks 1913 | p 43 | Pegasus Press, Christchurch | |
| Fracture | Parr, Larry (based on the novel "Crime Story" by Gee, Maurice) | Parr, Larry | Feature Film | 2004 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Sentencing issues | Coercive power of the law | | One of the characters is found guilty of theft and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.
Severity of criminal sentences relating to property. | | Savuti Films | |
| "Fuzz" in The Ballad of Fifty-one | Sewell, Bill | | Poetry | 2003 | 3 | Distrust of the legal system | Legal history | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Law as a tool of oppression | | About an arrest - Freda Barnes, wife of leading unionist- 1951 Water front strike. | p 68 | HeadworX, Wellington | |
| Getting Away with it | Ireland, Kevin | | Novel | 2004 | 5 | Law as ineffective | Sentencing issues | Youth and law | | About a history professor with a dodgy past | pp 52-54, 105, 159 | Hazard Press, Christchurch | |
| Grace is Gone | Morey, Kelly Ana | | Novel | 2004 | 4 | Perceptions of lawyers | Legal ramifications of divorce | Elitism of the law | Law school | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Law students | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Law as route to power | | About a Maori family living in a small town in NZ. Maori female lawyer.
Changing perception of lawyer stereotype to include women. Lawyer as small town gentry. The lawyer's pivotal role in divorce proceedings. Becoming a lawyer to help dispossessed minority eg. Maori. "Some flash Maori girl lawyer". Victoria law school as training for new elite. Maori law students automatically getting scholarships. | pp 9, 13, 28-29, 33, 35, 221 | Penguin, Auckland | |
| Grasscutter, The | Mitchell, Roy | Mune, Ian | Feature Film | 1988 | 5 | Absence of law | Vigilantism as justice | Man alone on the run from the law | Law as ineffective | | Crime action thriller, Irish 'troubles' come to NZ, lead character (Brian Deeds) is a Protestant who turned Queen's evidence on his fellow Protestant terrorists. Now they are trying to kill him. Several police characters, no lawyers, judges or mention of specific criminal law.
Police seem powerless to control Irish carrying out vendettas in NZ. | 58, 70 mins | Finlayson Brewer Productions | |
| "Great Change, The" in The Poetical Works of Hugh Smith | Smith, Hugh | | Poetry | 1984 | 4 | Politics and law | Law as a tool of oppression | | About politics in NZ during the 1930s depression -
Parliament passing terrible laws. | pp 324-325 | Hugh Smith (Jnr), Papanui | 1946 |
| "Great New Zealand Truth Show, The" in Passing Through and other plays | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1992 | 2 | Role of the media | Youth and law | Racism of the law | Injustice | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Individual rights vs public safety | Politics and law | Legal history | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Law as a tool of oppression | Importance of jury | Cause celebre trials | Women in law | | Structured like TV news with readers and news stories featuring law.
The draconian laws introduced by government during 1951 waterfront strike- the 'Truth' often forgotten or sacrificed for a juicy story. Conservative establishment against poor. Racism and the law (against Chinese). Injustice of Arthur Allan Thomas trial. | pp 17-20, 32, 44, 50 | Hazard Press, Christchurch | |
| "Haere Ki Te Moe Kirehe Porangi" in "Choice Meat" | Jowzi, Paul | | Poetry | 1983 | 5 | Hypocrisy of law | Law as a tool of oppression | Land issues | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | | Poem about social problems affecting Maori in NZ. | p 7-8 | Koha Maha Publications, Havelock North | |
| Hanlon | Catran, Ken | Tourell, Wayne | TV mini-series | 1995 | 1 | Importance of advocacy | Court procedure | Racism of the law | Witnesses | Patriarchal system vs feminism | Politics and law | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Perceptions of lawyers | Appearance of courtroom | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Importance of jury | Cause celebre trials | Public vs private life of lawyers | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Perceptions of judges | Use of law to discover truth | Adversarial nature of the legal system | | Based on the legal career of high profile late 19th Century-early 20th Century barrister Alfred Hanlon. Each episode deals with a high profile case in which Hanlon was the defence lawyer for eg. Minnie Dean. Set in Dunedin. Episode 1: In Defence of Minnie Dean. Episode 2: In Defence of Hugh Sweeney. Episode 3: In Defence of Clements. Episode 4: In Defence of Thomas Caradoc Kerry. Episode 5: In Defence of Stott and Bramley. Episode 6: In Defence of Shue Hock. Episode 7: In Defence. Features a number of leading legal personalities from the era including Justice Williams, Ethel Benjamin, Richard Seddon, Charles Skerritt, Justice Edwards. Has a balance between scenes involving Hanlon's personal life, court room scenes and scenes in his offices.
Difference between law and morality. Discrimination against Chinese. | | | |
| "Harry's Gone" in Lost at Sea | McCormick, Gary | | Poetry | 1995 | 3 | Violence against women | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Importance of jury | Law as a tool of oppression | | Wife murders husband - Sentenced to three years - Whether battered women's syndrome can be used to justify murder.
Domestic violence. Misogynist view enshrined in the law. Societal support for 'wife-beaters'. | pp 36-37 | Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers, Auckland | |
| He Tangi Aroha | Taylor, Apirana | | Novel | 1993 | 1 | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Treaty criticism/ issues | Tino Rangatiratanga | Land issues | Role of the media | Legal history | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Racism of the law | Law students | Use of law to discover truth | Politics and law | Law as a tool of oppression | | Young Maori people learning about their culture and the injustices of the past - Reacting against it. World of urban Maori in 1990s.
Pakeha dishonoured by the Treaty- Spirit and principles of the Treaty dishonoured- Importance of Rangatiratanga- Maori Land Court- Law as a path to improve life for Maori- Maori contact with courts- (both working in the court system as a way of keeping up to date and involved in the process- and as offenders)- Pakeha destroying Maori religion, land, legal system, government- Maori customary law. | pp 12, 34-35, 41-43, 66, 74-76, 85, 91-92, 95, 106-110, 162, 172-173, 190, 193, 205, 214-215, 219-220, 239-242 | Huia Publishers, Wellington | |
| "Head, The" in Daymoon | Fry, Robin | | Poetry | 2005 | 5 | Perceptions of lawyers | Nature used as a contrast to law | | About buying chicken necks, comparison with a lawyer.
Lawyers having the attributes of a bird "It finishes in a pallid face: Cockscomb beak eyelid reminding me of that lawyer freated once - yet feared…" | p 31 | Headworx Publishers, Wellington | |
| Heart of the Stag | Story by Firth, Michael, Screenplay by Illingworth, Neil | Firth, Michael | Feature Film | 1984 | 4 | Absence of law | Violence against women | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Vigilantism as justice | Law as ineffective | Suffering of victims of crime | | A film about a farmer (Robert) who is carrying out an incestuous relationship with his daughter (Cathy). A hired hand (Peter) falls for the daughter creating tension between him and his boss. The law is completely absent and justice is only achieved through the intervention of Peter. Robert is killed by a stag in the final scene while attempting to shoot Peter. The film juxtaposes idyllic farming scenery with the sordid domestic life of father and daughter.
Law failing to protect females, the gun imagery symbolising maintenance of order through violence. | | Southern Light Pictures | |
| House of Hogs, The | Keinzley, Frances | | Novel | 2004 | 4 | Law as a tool of oppression | Perceptions of lawyers | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Natural law | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Perceptions of lawyers | Legal history | Treaty criticism/ issues | Land issues | | About a young woman who immigrates to NZ during the colonial period. She is getting a loan to buy a house.
Coverture in the 19th Century. | 3-6, 169-173, 194-195, 205 | National Pacific Press, Wellington | |
| Illustrious Energy | Edmond, Martin, Narbey, Leon | Narbey, Leon | Feature Film | 1988 | 5 | Racism of the law | Legal history | Law as a tool of oppression | | Set in the central Otago goldfields during the 1860s. Two Chinese golddiggers discover a fortune. They face prejudice due to their race. | | Challenge Film Corporation presents a Cinepro Production | |
| "Jean and Richard" in A Fantasy Passing Through and other plays | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1992 | 4 | Use of trial as dramatic construct | The use of law for humorous effect | | Aviator Richard Pearse on trial for willful detention of sheep - theatre of the absurd.
The trial as a dramatic forum for someone to tell 'their story'. | pp 104, 124-125, 128 | Hazard Press, Christchurch | |
| Jimmy Moran Regular | Catran, Ken | | Novel | 2005 | 2 | Perceptions of judges | Importance of jury | Law as a tool of oppression | Appearance of courtroom | Perceptions of lawyers | Court procedure | Distrust of the legal system | Sentencing issues | Witnesses | | Set during the Vietnam War. One storyline focuses on the protest movement and protestors being arrested. Out on trial for murder but found not guilty. In depth description of the trial, trial heard by Justice Wellbeloved, vicious prosecutor, crafty defence lawyer. | pp 120, 140-147, 151-155 | Lothian Books, Melbourne | |
| Joshua | Marriott, Allan | | Novel | 1992 | 4 | Perceptions of lawyers | Access to justice | law as a game | | About a writer and activist and his relationship with his wife. | pp 49,67,86-89 | Hazard Press, Christchurch | |
| "Judge Holds Sway in Abeyance with the Clown, The" in Beads | Riddell, R.G. | | Poetry | 1975 | 3 | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Personification of 'The Law' | Law as a game | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Perceptions of lawyers | | Abstract poem about law. | p 56 | Parnassus Press, Auckland | |
| Julien Ware | Wilson, Guthrie | | Novel | 1952 | 1 | Law school | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of law firms | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Elitism of the law | Law as route to power | Law as a game | | Bildungsroman - About an ambitious young man who becomes a lawyer who works his way up to partner in the firm - becomes more ruthless.
Law school perceived as a road to success- Victoria Law School- law ambition= partnership in a firm- Qualities for a lawyer eg. reticence, honesty, ruthlessness- Cause celebre cases- Succession in firms- UK influence- Importance of land law in NZ- Lack of Maori presence in the legal system in the 1930s. | pp 76-78, 96-97, 110-111, 113, 124-127, 149-150, 152-153 not exhaustive | Robert Hale, London | |
| "Juryman's Tale, The" in South Pacific Street | Wilson, Phillip | | Short Story | 1984 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Importance of advocacy | Court procedure | Perceptions of judges | Public gallery as audience | Importance of jury | Law school | Women in law firms/ legal profession | | About a jury - in depth description of a jury trial in Auckland.
Young, inexperienced lawyer- Old conservative judge- What is the aftermath of the trial? | pp 71-81 | Pilgrims South Press, Dunedin | |
| Just Jane | Duncan, James | | Novel | 1996 | 2 | International Law | Importance of advocacy | Court procedure | Witness examination | Perceptions of lawyers | Law school | Treaty criticism/ issues | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Land issues | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Law students | | Woman's career in the law - Environment Court - International Law - Comments on legal issues i.e. abortion, pollution - Bildungsroman
Women in law (juggling career and family) | pp 2,35-45,51-56,82-87,131-149 | James Duncan, Picton | |
| "Justice" in Night and Morning and other Verses | Gillespie, O.N. | | Poetry | 1927 | 3 | Alienation from the legal system- costs| Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Hypocrisy of law | Law as a game | Perceptions of judges | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | | A woman is on trial under stressful conditions | pp 11-13 | Whitcombe & Tombs, Wellington | |
| "Justice Advances the Cause of the People" in A Red Mole Sketchbook | Brunton, Alan | | Play | 1989 | 3 | Hypocrisy of law | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Routine of court procedure | Role of the media | | Court scene in which a woman is on trial - Theatre of the Absurd/Kafka-esque dramaturgy - Send-up of legal procedure - Woman found guilty - No reasons for decision - Prosecution also implicated | pp 32-42 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| K Road | Dawe, Ted | | Novel | 2005 | 2 | Perceptions of judges | Witnesses | Appearance of courtroom | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Importance of advocacy | Role of the media | Sentencing issues | | Story about the Auckland underworld set on K Road. Characters get in trouble with the law. One main character is a court room journalist and observes a trial of a school principal on charges of downloading child pornography. Features character Roger King QC who is a powerful figure providing assistance when people get in trouble. Chapter 12 is an entire court room scene. | pp 45, 76-78, 104, 119, 171. | Longacre Press, Dunedin | |
| Kaitangata Twitch | Mahy, Margaret | | Novel | 2005 | 5 | Elitism of the law | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | Law as a vehicle to effect change | | Young girl trying to save an Island from a ruthless property developer. (Young adult fiction) | pp 59, 64-65 | Allen & Unwin, NSW | |
| Kissing Shadows | Renee | | Novel | 2005 | 5 | Law as route to power | Law as a tool of oppression | Elitism of the law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | | Daughter finds out about father's dark secret. | pp 42, 208-9, 216 | Huia Publishers, Wellington | |
| Kitty | Challinor, Deborah | | Novel | 2006 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Treaty criticism/ issues | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of lawyers | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Legal history | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | | Legal history, set during the mid 19th century, includes description of the signing of the Treaty. Maori chief swears utu against Wai for bringing whakama on the tribe by becoming pregnant. Detailed court scene in Sydney. The trial is about a charge against Kitty's love interest for failing to pay customs.
Comparisons between New Zealand and New South Wales. "It wasn't often the underdog triumphed over the might of the English judicial system, and when it happened it was always a cause for celebration". | pp 133-134, 142-144, 161-162, 247-263, 268-274 | Harper Collins Publishers, Auckland | |
| "Land Wars II- Motoua" in Hui | Glover, Marewa | | Poetry | 2001 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Racism of the law | Land issues | Treaty criticism/ issues | Alienation from the legal system- working class | | Motoua Gardens protest - Facts of this event
Police as the instrument of control used by the Pakeha establishment. Lack of recognition of Maori custom and court procedure. | p 41 | Marewa Glover, Auckland | |
| "Law, Streets" in Earthquake Weather | Smithyman, Kendrick | | Poetry | 1972 | 3 | Nature used as a contrast to law | Coercive power of the law | Natural law | | General theoretical concepts surrounding law eg. "Rule of Law". | pp 64-66 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| League of the Brown Skirts, The | Ward, Gilbert | | Novel | 1944 | 2 | Women in law | Perceptions of lawyers | Law students | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Law as a tool of oppression | The use of law for humorous effect | Politics and law | | About a group of radical women in mid-20th century who try to take over NZ and oppress men | pp 44-49, 75-77, 130-136, 139 | G.F. Ward, Timaru | |
| Little Country, The | Guthrie, John | | Novel | 1937 | 2 | Appearance of courtroom | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Witnesses | Legal jargon | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Court procedure | Politics and law | The use of law for humorous effect | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Perceptions of judges | | Court Trial - Humourous account of a case about a man jumping from the public gallery onto a judge - Case is dismissed after lengthy argument
Cross examination- lawyer manipulating words. Using court to settle personal vendettas. | pp 256-273 | Thomas Nelson and Sons, London | |
| Lovelock Version, The | Shadbolt, Maurice | | Novel | 1980 | 3 | Law as a game | Perceptions of lawyers | Legal history | Witnesses | Corruption in the legal system | Elitism of the law | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | | Family saga - socialist agitator. Marxist Legal theory.
Dodgy lawyer- lying defendant. References to English legal history. Law as a tool of the bourgeoisie. | pp 262-263, 417-418, 453-454, 468, 520-521, 548 | Hodder & Stoughton, London | |
| MacKenzie Affair, The | McNeish, James | | Novel | 1972 | 1 | Legal History | Appearance of courtroom | Court procedure | Perceptions of judges | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Cause celebre trials | Natural law | | Second part of the Mackenzie saga - He is captured, put on trial,and found guilty of contempt of court - Set in Christchurch | pp 57-62,126-159,168-169,192-195,204-211 | Hodder & Stoughton, Auckland | |
| "Magistrate's Court" in Denis Glover: Selected poems | Glover, Denis | | Poetry | 1981 | 4 | Law as ineffective | Perceptions of judges | The use of law for humorous effect | Law as a game | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | | A nonsense poem, dismissive of the law, about a magician in court who does a disappearing act | p 162 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| "Maori Activist, The" in Never Alone | Morrall, Barry | | Poetry | 1986 | 2 | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Land issues | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | | Pakeha response to a Maori activist.
Apparent equality between Pakeha and Maori in NZ- positive influence of Pakeha on legal justice vs rough Maori justice from early 19th century. | p 7 | B. Morrall, Wellington | |
| Maori Merchant of Venice Te tangati whai tawa o weneti | Jones, Pei Te Hurinui | Selwyn, Don C | Feature Film | 2002 | 5 | Not applicable as it is a translation of Shakespeare's play (English work). | This film is an interpretation of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", performed entirely in Te Reo. The setting for the play is a fusion between pre-European NZ and 16th Century Venice. | | He Taonga Films Ltd | |
| March to the Sound of Guns | Grover, Ray | | Novel | 2008 | 3 | Importance of advocacy | Legal history | Court procedure | Distrust of the legal system | Perceptions of lawyers | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Difference between civilian law and martial law | Law as route to power | | Set in WWI both on the battlefields and in New Zealand. A focus on a court martial. | pp 22, 324-327, 393-395. | Longacre Press, Dunedin | |
| Mark II | Manuel, Mitchell, Walker, Mike | Anderson, John | Feature Film | 1986 | 3 | Importance of advocacy | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Man alone on the run from the law | Perceptions of lawyers | Corruption in the legal system | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Youth and law | | Eddie, Kingi and Matthew go on a roadtrip. They get chased by drug dealers. Kingi is caught by police and charged with possession of hard drugs. Eddie is provoked by his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend and gets charged with assault. Eddie's girlfriend's father hires a lawyer and he is freed. There is a court scene at 63 mins.
"You're young, you've got a brown face and the odds are that you will end up in court". | 56, 59, 61, 63, 65, 66, 67 mins | TVNZ | |
| Masks & Shadows | Riddell, Michael | | Novel | 2000 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Importance of jury | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Use of law to discover truth | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Legal ramifications of divorce | Routine of court procedure | | Comprehensive trial scene.
Image of prosecutor as boring and rigid. | pp 130-131, 172-175 | Flamingo, Auckland | |
| Matriarch, The | Ihimaera, Witi | | Novel | 1986 | 2 | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Land issues | Law as a tool of oppression | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Legal history | Sentencing issues | Racism of the law | Treaty criticism/ issues | | Old woman's view of NZ history and the oppression of Maori by Pakeha - includes mention of Hamiora Pere cf Season of the Jew - Talks about different statutes affecting Maori cf Songs of the Judges | pp 172-173,234-245,314-339 | Heinemann Publishers, Auckland | |
| "Matthew Innes" in Storyteller | Williamson, Simon | | Poetry | 2002 | 4 | Injustice | Law as ineffective | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | | Matthew Innes was killed in the back seat of a police car | p 130 | HeadworX, Wellington | |
| "Men for Pieces" in British Drama League (ed) Further One-Act Plays | Targuse, V. | | Play | 1935 | 3 | Distrust of the legal system | Injustice | Corruption in the legal system | Criminal stigma | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Necessity of confessions | Frustration with the legal system | Importance of advocacy | Sentencing issues | Law as a game | Common man facing the law | | A falsely convicted man (Sam) returns home to his wife after twenty years in prison. The wife of the man who gave false evidence against him visits. She asks Sam to let her husband apologise as he lies on his death bed.
Possibility of the justice system convicting the wrong man. | pp 42-46, 48-50, 52 | National Magazine, Wellington | |
| "Mid-Winter Switch, The" in A Day at the Show and other stories | Sharrock, Edmund C | | Short Story | 1990 | 4 | Court procedure | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Common man facing the law | Perceptions of judges | Sentencing issues | | Fraud trial | pp 48-49 | E. Sharrock, New Zealand | |
| Miramar Mornings | Edwards, Denis | | Novel | 2005 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Elitism of the law | Inequality of men and women in the legal system | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Corruption in the legal system | Appearance of courtroom | Law in literature within law in literature | Court procedure | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Perceptions of law firms | Public vs private life of lawyers | Law as route to power | Law exploiting people's misery | Clients | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | | A murder mystery set in Wellington. Set in the 70s but flashes back to the late 1940s. One of the main characters, Helen, is a lawyer trying to make her way in a male dominated profession (1970s). She faces prejudice in the firm. She is helped by a lecherous old lawyer to get her own back on the male partners in her firm. There is a strong pushy female lawyer character called Felicity. Helen is assisted by a legal secretary who hates her bosses. A corrupt lawyer character appears in the 1940s section.
Victoria law school as a training ground for the powerful elite. 1970s women's liberation movement and the effect on the legal profession. Token Maori in firm for appearances (cf Outrageous Fortune). Close and often tense relationship between police and lawyers (cf Street Legal). Partners as arrogant, elite, old, white and adulterous men. Lawyers as corrupt both professionally and personally. Lawyers as movers and shakers in Wellington society. Law profession closing ranks to protect its own. Legal secretarial staff hating their bosses (the partners). | pp 16, 25-26, 28-29, 34-35, 46, 54-55, 65-69, 72-77,81, 88, 94-95, 107, 118, 132-137, 144-147, 192-197, 225, 235-236, 242-243 | Penguin Group, Auckland | |
| Moonshine | Wilson, Helen | | Novel | 1956 | 2 | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Speed of justice | Cause celebre trials | Public gallery as audience | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Importance of advocacy | Use of trial as dramatic construct | | About a high profile murder trial - One of the accused turns Queen's witness | pp 146-148, 151-152 | Paul's Book Arcade, Hamilton | |
| My Story Be Counted! The Diary of Amy Phelps, Dunedin 1893 | McVeagh, Janine | | Novel | 2007 | 3 | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Politics and law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Separation of powers | Law as route to power | Law school | | About the suffrage movement and women getting the vote in 1890s.
Political maneouvring in parliament to pass legislation. | pp 30, 42-3, 46-7, 54-6, 62-3, 74-6, 80-81, 86, 92, 100-2, 104, 117, 121, 127, 130, 135-6, 143, 145, 150-1, 157, 161, 170-72. | Scholastic NZ, Manukau | |
| "Mythmaker's Office, The" in Trudie McNaughten (ed) In Deadly Earnest | Frame, Janet | | Short Story | 1989 | 1 | Law as ineffective | Natural law | Politics and law | Perceptions of judges | | The Minister of Mythmaking decides to abolish death. Passes a law to make any reference to death in society illegal. Laws are enforced by the judiciary. Points out the futility of trying to ban things that will always be present cf prostitution and alcohol. Eventually society fails as banning death effectively bans life.
Inability of the law to change practical realities eg. can't outlaw death cf Kafka and Lon Fuller's King Rex. The ability of law to effect morality. The power of authority figures to control society through law. Allegorical use of law in fiction cf Kafka. Danger of making the law a farce eg. risking public uprisings. The role of law in creating myths. | p 113-115 | Century Hutchinson New Zealand, Auckland | |
| "Ngati" in Atua Wera | Smithyman, Kendrick | | Poetry | 1997 | 4 | Legal history | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | | Papahurihia movement.
Importance of Colonial legal officials in the community- Importance/ status of Maori leaders in colonial communities. | p 204 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| "No Escape" in John Kingston (ed) Pataka: Selected Short Stories by New Zealand Authors | Davidson, Marion | | Short Story | 1936 | 3 | Law as Law as route to power | Perceptions of lawyers | Law school | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Importance of due process | Witnesses | Law students | | Two law students in competition for top student prize go in very different directions after graduation. One student joins the army during the war and the other accuses him without evidence of being an enemy spy. He is executed and it is later found that he in fact was a spy, though the other's accusation always plays on his conscience.
Traditional nature of legal eduction in the 1930 eg. Latin and Roman law. Courts as a means of exacting revenge. | pp 39-43 | K System Publishing, Auckland | |
| "Not Guilty Sir" in Hang on a Minute Mate | Crump, Barry | | Short Story | 1961 | 3 | Common man facing the law | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Perceptions of judges | Conducting own defence | Routine of court procedure | Witnesses | | Court scene in which a man conducts his own defence - Light-hearted scene eg. accused tries to shake hands with the judge | pp 131-137 | A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington | |
| O! Temperance! | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1974 | 2 | Perceptions of lawyers | Appearance of courtroom | Law and religion | Judge as God | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Women in law | Perceptions of judges | Politics and law | Routine of court procedure | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | Role of the media | | About the temperance movement, seeking to prohibit alcohol - Women's Franchise campaign.
Liquor Licensing Act 1881- Process of appeal- Using Politics to manipulate law when the courts fail. | pp 19, 30-31, 36, 39-43, 46, 48, 53, 61 | Christchurch Theatre Trust, Christchurch | |
| Objection Overruled | Burns, Carolyn | | Play | 1985 | 1 | Importance of advocacy | Legal jargon | Appearance of courtroom | The use of law for humorous effect | Law and religion | Women in law | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Law as a tool of oppression | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Feminism vs patriarchal system | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Routine of court procedure | Common man facing the law | | An absurdist play about a trial of a white, middle class, conventional male, who is accused of "living". Features a traditional courtroom with traditional court procedures jumbled up. Different witnesses from the accused's life are examined and cross examined. The audience acts as a jury at the end and gets to decide the fate of the accused. Entire play takes place in a court room.
The difference between rights and law. Kafkaesque court room. Law delving into people's private lives and exposing secrets. The metaphor of the cage. Society as represented by the court, constraining women's expectations ie. fill the role of wife and mother. The public spectacle of a trial. Farcical nature of law (absurdist play). The law reflecting ideals and limitations of middle class white men. | pp 7,8-85 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| "On Probation" in Lady Moss Revived | Olds, Peter | | Poetry | 1972 | 3 | Judge as god | Nature used as a contrast to law | Personification of 'The Law' | Parole | Coercive power of the law | | About probation | p 1-2 | Caveman Press, Dunedin | |
| On River Road | Else, Chris | | Novel | 2004 | 2 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Law in literature within law in literature | Perceptions of lawyers | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Elitism of the law | Distrust of the legal system | Court procedure | Ethics | Importance of advocacy | Witnesses | Use of law to discover truth | | Group of friends. Daughter of one of the couples is killed in a car accident. One of the main characters, Larry, is a criminal lawyer. Successfully argues provocation for his client who is then charged with manslaughter. Discusses legal ethics.
"There's no truth in a court of law. There's only evidence. And evidence is a story told by a witness". Literary obsession with criminal law. "The Law is literature". Lawyer manipulating a statute (eg. s169 of the Crimes Act, provocation). Importance of client confidentiality. | pp 22-23, 31, 58, 103, 109-110, 138, 145, 243, 254-255, 272-275, 318 | Random House, Auckland | |
| Once Were Warriors | Duff, Alan | | Novel | 1990 | 1 | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Youth and law | Perceptions of judges | Judge as God | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Appearance of courtroom | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Speed of justice | Routine of court procedure | Absence of law | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Law as ineffective | Elitism of the law | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Violence against women | | Scene where Boogie is sent to Youth Court
Physical set up of courtroom, elevation of judges. | pp 32-37 | Tandem Press, Auckland | |
| Once Were Warriors | based on the novel by Duff, Alan screenplay by Brown, Riwia | Tamahori, Lee | Feature Film | 1994 | 1 | Absence of law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Violence against women | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Vigilantism as justice | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Criminal stigma | Routine of court procedure | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Appearance of courtroom | Law as ineffective | Youth and law | Perceptions of judges | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | | Set in South Auckland, portrays a dysfunctional Maori family with a violent father. Court room scene (30 mins) involves one of the sons before the Youth Court on charges of burglary. He is sent to social welfare care and changes his ways after discovering his Maori heritage cf Jake who is detached from his Maori heritage and continues to replicate the cycle of violence. The movie portrays a lawless South Auckland where the police are unable to enforce the law.
Inability of justice system to prevent domestic violence. At 30 mins police car is overtaken dangerously by a gang car but is powerless to do anything. | 3, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 39, 61 mins | Communicado | |
| "Open Home" in Spark | Neale, Emma | | Poetry | 2008 | 5 | Legal ramifications of divorce | Law as a game | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | | Poem about an open home and the home is part of settlement property under the Property Relationship Act. | p 57 | Steele Roberts, Wellington | |
| Opportunity | Grimshaw, Charlotte | | Mixed genre | 2007 | 1 | Lawyer's wife | Legal ramifications of divorce | Perceptions of lawyers | Public vs private life of lawyers | Stereotypical tasks of a lawyer | Alternative code of rules | Importance of advocacy | Injustice | Cause celebre trials | Law as a tool of oppression | A series of interlinking short stories several of which feature law including "Pity", "Parallel Universe", "Opportunity", "Values" and "Free Will".
In "Pity" an ambitious criminal lawyer is offered information about his ex-wife. She apparently wants to have him killed. Details of the acrimonious divorce proceedings.
In "Parallel Universe" a businessman is in trouble with the Serious Fraud Office, observes the trial and becomes a 'bush lawyer'. The businessman supports a young musician, Newgate, convicted of murder. Businessman convinced he is innocent cf Joe Karem and David Bain. Businessman approaches lawyer, Murray Ray, about the Newgate case.
"Opportunity" see entry under "Opportunity".
In "Values" a neighbour informs social welfare authorities that next door children are 'out of control'. Father of children hires a lawyer and threatens to sue neighbour. Eventually receives appology. Oppressive power of the state.
"Free Will" features a woman who "dined out on law firms". Shows the need for lawyers to appease clients and the importance of social networking to the profession. | pp 33-45, 54, 80, 84, 88, 125-127, 130-131, 134-135, 138, 146, 164, 204, 247-248, 251, 254-255 | Random House, Auckland | |
| Other Halves | McCauley, Sue, from her novel "Other Halves" | Laing, John | Feature Film | 1984 | 2 | Alienation of Pacific Islanders from the legal system | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of lawyers | Absence of law | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Elitism of the law | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Appearance of courtroom | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | | Focuses on the relationship between a middle class, 32 year old woman and a teenage street kid, Tug. Tug appears in court twice.
Arrogant aloofness of the legal profession. | | Orringham Ltd | |
| Other Halves | McCauley, Sue | | Novel | 1982 | 1 | Appearance of courtroom | Court procedure | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Youth and law | Speed of justice | Law as a game | Perceptions of judges | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of lawyers | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | Access to justice | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Elitism of the law | Ignorance of the law | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Unfairness of the legal system to women | Legal ramifications of divorce | Law as ineffective | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | | Older women has relationship with young Maori street kid - he gets into trouble with the law - goes to court- he gets off, provided he continues to live with her as his 'guardian'
Comments on court's physical appearance (likened to Dickens). Disorganisation of court procedure. Rich can afford justice. Difficulty of extracting truth in the legal process. Human element in law as an advantage. Rich lawyer vs poor litigant (power gap). Bias by Magistrate in criminal trials towards police and prosecution (from viewpoint of defendant). Disadvantages that ignorance of court procedure brings. Perception of lawyers as useless in determining an outcome. | pp 74-77,98-104,120-121,128-129,130-133,160-181 | Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, Auckland | |
| Outrageous Fortune (Series 1) | Lang, Rachel with Griffin, James | | Episode from TV series | 2005 | 1 | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Perceptions of lawyers | Importance of advocacy | The way lawyers view the law | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Public vs private life of lawyers | Distrust of the legal system | Corruption in the legal system | Coercive power of the law | Elitism of the law | Law as route to power | Ethics | Arrest procedure | Importance of due process | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Parole | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Criminal stigma | Law as a game | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Law students | Youth and law | Absence of law | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Vigilantism as justice | Man alone on the run from the law | | | Episode 1: 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 19, 28, 29, 30, 40, 41 mins. Episode 2: 2, 15, 20, 30 mins. Episode 3: 3, 7, 11, 15, 18, 20, 28, 31, 38, 39 mins Episode 7: 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 28, 36, 37 mins Episode 12: 1, 10, 16, 23, 26, 34, 37 mins not exhaustive | South Pacific Pictures | |
| Parihaka | Hinchcliff, John | | Novel | 2004 | 1 | Appearance of courtroom | Law as a tool of oppression | Injustice | Treaty criticism/ issues | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Perceptions of lawyers | Elitism of the law | Politics and law | Separation of powers | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Importance of jury | Perceptions of judges | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Corruption in the legal system | Racism of the law | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Distrust of the legal system | Absence of law | Legal history | Land issues | | Detailed comprehensive story leading up to and at Parihaka. There is a scene in Parliament where politicians are debating the Maori Prisoners' Act (based on Hansard). Trial of the Maori fencers.
Lack of respect from Pakeha for Maori Customary law. Representatives of the law as educated and pompous. Oppressive legislation eg. Maori Prisoners' Trials Act. Link between NZ and English constitutions eg. Magna Carta. Breach of Habeas Corpus "the Hon William Stewart calmly reminded the House of the Habeas Corpus Act, an imperial statute which he said he assumed to be in force in the colony". "In the Magna Carta it is laid down most distinctly that justice should not be sold or delayed". | pp 24-5, 74, 96-7, 122-3, 148-9, 154-59, 198-200, 202-217, 219-20, 222-23, 273-75, 312, 323-329, 331-34, 346-7. | Steele Roberts, Wellington | |
| "Parihaka Grieving" in Just Poetry | Campbell, Alistair Te Ariki | | Poetry | 2007 | 3 | Absence of law | Law as a tool of oppression | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Injustice | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Land issues | Legal history | Importance of due process | Racism of the law | | Poem about Parihaka. | pp 29-32 | Headworx Publishers, Wellington | |
| Paua Tower, The | Atkinson, Coral | | Novel | 2006 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Ignorance of the law | Perceptions of law firms | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Individual rights vs public safety | Sentencing issues | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | | This novel is about left wing protest during the 1930s depression. Old woman about to be evicted. Government threat of sedition charge. Character convicted of manslaughter.
Governments using oppressive legal measures during times of emergency. | pp 14-15, 36, 83, 92-93, 232, 278, 280, 301, 311 | Black Swan, Auckland | |
| Peace Monster, The | Smythe, John | | Novel | 1991 | 4 | Public/ admin law | Role of the media | Law as ineffective | | Legislation passed to save a dolphin.
Strategies used to circumvent law. | pp 221-222, 244 | Vintage, Auckland | |
| Permit, The | Jones, Bob | | Novel | 1984 | 2 | Public/ admin law | Perceptions of judges | Court procedure | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Politics and law | Common man facing the law | Individual rights vs public safety | Separation of powers | Obstructive nature of government | Coercive power of the law | | About a man who decides to take on the system which is trying to force him to register his address - goes through the court system to try and change the law.
Statutory interpretation. Government emergency powers of 1951. Breach of Civil Liberites. Constitutional conventions. Courts as a bulwark against executive power. | pp 22-147 | William Collins Publishers, Auckland | |
| Pictures | Lord, Robert and O'Shea, John | Black, Michael | Feature Film | 1981 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Legal history | Law as a tool of oppression | | About two early NZ photographers (brothers). One, Walter, takes shots of Maori captives being badly treated but the Colonial Office will not allow him to publicly display the pictures (finally puts them on display and photos are vandalised). The film shows the devastating effects of colonisation on Maori. No real 'law' scenes but the general ruthless power of the Pakeha colonial state is a key theme. | | Pacific Films | |
| Pioneers, The: a romance | Mountain, Julian | | Novel | 1946 | 3 | Stereotypical tasks of a lawyer | Law as a game | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of law firms | | Colonial lawyer falls in love with part Maori girl. Scene including will signing. Law firm "Tortius and Tortius".
Law facilitating romantic liaisons. | pp 59-65,76-77,111-113 | Tantivy Press, Malvern | |
| Plumb | Gee, Maurice | | Novel | 1978 | 1 | Law as a game | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Importance of advocacy | Perceptions of lawyers | Public vs private life of lawyers | Perceptions of judges | Coercive power of the law | Sentencing issues | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Individual rights vs public safety | Law and religion | | Plumb is charged with Sedition during WWI - Pleads 'not guilty'- Trial scene where the lawyer won't let defendant (Plumb) speak in court - Convicted. Plumb's son becomes a judge.
Struggles of an idealist in the court system. Friends' influence to get legal help. | pp 153-163 | Faber & Faber Ltd, London | |
| "Political Activist, The" in Never Alone | Morrall, Barry | | Poetry | 1986 | 5 | Injustice | Law as a tool of oppression | Corruption in the legal system | Law as a vehicle to effect change | | Political activist | p 10 | B. Morrall, Wellington | |
| Provocation | Grimshaw, Charlotte | | Novel | 1999 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Law students | Law as a game | Importance of advocacy | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Violence against women | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Public vs private life of lawyers | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Law exploiting people's misery | Routine of court procedure | Witnesses | Clients | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | | Legal thriller narrated by a young female law student, Stella (22), who is having an affair with a charismatic and secretive criminal lawyer, Stuart (38). Together they are working on a high profile trial, trying to get their client, Carlos Lehmann, off a murder charge. Young female law student as sleuth cf Grisham's 'Pelican Brief'.
Virtually the entire novel is focused on law, making it one of the best examples of New Zealand law in literature. Much of the novel deals with Stella and Stuart investigating the facts surrounding the case. A technical definition of provocation appears on p 33. There is a minor character, Bernard Cracker, a larger than life criminal lawyer and Stuart's friend. | pp 1-282 | Abacus, London | |
| "Robocop in Long Bay" in Fiona Kidman (ed) The Best New Zealand Fiction (Vol 1) | Wendt, Albert | | Short Story | 2004 | 5 | Law as route to power | Perceptions of lawyers | Parental pressure to go into law | | About a Samoan family where the main character is expected to go to university and do law because he is the "smart one". | p 190 | Random House New Zealand, Auckland | |
| "'Rooful" in The Alphabeast | Parsloe, Andrew | | Poetry | 1992 | 5 | Nature used as a contrast to law | Coercive power of the law | | Nonsense poem about animals and law | p 74 | Andrew Parsloe, Dunedin | |
| Scarfies | Sarkies, Duncan | Sarkies, Robert | Feature Film | 1999 | 3 | Absence of law | Law school | Youth and law | Law students | Law and popular culture | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Vigilantism as justice | | A group of students move into a flat in Dunedin and find huge amounts of marijuana growing in their basement. They sell the drugs. The previous owner of the marijuana comes back to the flat to get his drugs. The students lock him in the basement. They eventually let him go and lie to the police, saying that he was threatening to kill them. | 1, 58, 66, 80 mins | Essential Films in association with the New Zealand Film Commission | |
| "Scholar Does Time For Non-Payment of Debt, The" in Four Ships | Langford, Gary | | Poetry | 1982 | 5 | Judge as God | | Set in prison - An academic person who is thrust among the underclass in prison | pp 24-25 | Randolph Press, New South Wales | |
| Season of the Jew | Shadbolt, Maurice | | Novel | 1988 | 1 | Legal history | Speed of justice | Law and religion | Perceptions of judges | Importance of advocacy | Witnesses | Manipulation of court system and jury | Vigilantism as justice | Perceptions of lawyers | Importance of lawyers in times of grief | Distrust of the legal system | Hypocrisy of law | Frustration with the legal system | Law as a tool of oppression | Inflexibility of the legal system | Law as route to power | Sentencing issues | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Importance of jury | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Politics and law | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Appearance of courtroom | Difference between civilian law and martial law | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Injustice | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Ignorance of the law | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Racism of the law | Routine of court procedure | | About Te Kooti and his campaign on the East Coast during the 1860s - Ends with the trial of Hamiora Pere on the charge of treason (Chapter 33).
Readiness to lie in court. Appearances important (decide the day). Manipulation of evidence and argument. Legal strategy. Prendergast as a 'devious monster'. | pp 42, 83, 94, 106-107, 111, 141, 303, 389, 432-435, 438, 442, 444-445, 447-467 not exhaustive | Hodder & Stoughton, London | |
| Shadow of the Valley, The | Eakin, Thelma & Batlye, Susan | | Play | 1980 | 1 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Urban vs rural lawyers | Elitism of the law | Corruption in the legal system | Witnesses | Routine of court procedure | Importance of advocacy | Use of law to discover truth | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Importance of jury | | Court of Royal Commission of enquiry into BrunnerMine disasters. Trial scene, inquisitorial approach, cross-examination of witnesses, miners lose, company absolved. Supreme Court trial in Hokitika, miners try again- miners win after first hung jury. | pp 46-71 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| Shadow of the Valley, The | Battye, Susan & Eakin Thelma | | Play | 1980 | 1 | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Urban vs rural lawyers | Elitism of the law | Corruption in the legal system | Witnesses | Routine of court procedure | Importance of advocacy | Use of law to discover truth | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Perceptions of lawyers | | Trial scene in Supreme Court at Hokitika - Brunner mine disaster 1896 - Royal Commission of Enquiry - Company is trying to avoid fault - Found to be negligent - Issues of compensation
Court of Royal Commission of Enquiry into Brunner Mine disaster. Trial scene, inquistiorial approach, cross-examination of witnesses, miners lose, company absolved. Supreme Court trial in Hokitika, Miners try again, miners win after first hung jury. | pp 46-71 | Oxford University Press, Wellington | |
| Should I Be Good | McLean, Grahame | McLean, Grahame | Feature Film | 1985 | 2 | Corruption in the legal system | Absence of law | Perceptions of lawyers | Natural law | The way lawyers view the law | Role of the media | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Legal history | Court procedure | Distrust of the legal system | Judge as God | | Focuses on an aspect of the Mr Asia drug scandal where a dead body is found in Wellington harbour. Money laundering operation is discovered. More murders. The crime ring is busted. Lawyers involved in crime syndicate, responsible for running the drug trade. A journalist tries to expose the crime syndicate on television. Overly complicated plot.
Absence of law in NZ replaced by criminal code of conduct. Defamation-law and the media. Reference to English legal history eg. the Third Estate (common law). Importance of evidence to satisfy the burden of proof for criminal conviction NZ film obsession with criminal law especially drugs. | | Grahame J. McLean and Associates | |
| Six Clever Girls who became Famous Women | Farrell, Fiona | | Novel | 1996 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Court procedure | Perceptions of judges | Inequality of men and women in the legal system | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Importance of advocacy | Law students | Elitism of the law | Law as a game | Appearance of courtroom | Perceptions of law firms | Law school | Law students | Role of the media | Perceptions of judges | Public vs private life of lawyers | | About a top young female lawyer who is in the rat race, who is recounting her climb to success, and the challenges she faces along the way (i.e. discrimination on the basis of sex)
Importance of control and planning in the life of a lawyer. Otago law school. Using cunning argument to 'get client off'. Appearance of judge (sweating, thinning hair). Difficulties of being a female lawyer (ie. getting married, having a family etc) Men favoured over women in legal profession. Lawyers and secretaries stereotype (bimbo secretaries and lawyers as cads) Importance of impressing boss as a means to succeeding in a law firm. Pressure to become a partner. Affair with partner. Rich lawyers at Pauanui. Using work to ignore personal problems. | pp 128-247 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Skin and Bone | McGee, Greg | Bailey, Chris | Television movie | 2003 | 3 | Law school | Parental pressure to go into law | Perceptions of lawyers | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Law as route to power | Contract law | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Arrest procedure | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Absence of law | | An adaptation of "Foreskin's Lament" but set in the Super 12 era. Main character Seymour is trying for a Super 12 contract and is also a law student, deciding whether to do law or play rugby. Breaches contract by playing for another team and taking banned drugs. Ends with 'Clean' being arrested. At 75 mins Seymour is locked out of his evidence exam because he is late. | | Screenworks | |
| Sleeping Dogs | Mune, Ian, Baysting, Arthur (based on the novel "Smith's Dream" by Stead, C.K.) | Donaldson, Roger | Feature Film | 1977 | 3 | Absence of law | Corruption in the legal system | Role of police in the criminal justice system | Confessions | Common man facing the law | Man alone on the run from the law | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | Politics and law | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Importance of due process | Individual rights vs public safety | Use of violence by legal system | | Smith leaves the city and becomes a recluse after his wife leaves him for his best friend. He lives in the bush in the Coromandel and gets framed by revolutionaries. Although he is apolitical he becomes a guerilla fighting the facist government. He is eventually shot by the army while on the run. Early scene shows street riot- police versus protesters.
Breakdown of rule of law in the face of excessive arbitrary facist power. Visual media foreshadowing true historical events eg. Springbok riots of 1981. Necessity of confessions to avoid execution cf "The Crucible". | | Aardvark Films | |
| Smith's Dream | Stead, C.K. | | Novel | 1971 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Obstructive nature of government | Use of violence by legal system | Importance of due process | Common man facing the law | Individual rights vs public safety | Politics and law | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Man alone on the run from the law | Vigilantism as justice | | About a Fascist take-over in NZ.
Suspension of due process, basic liberties. | pp 40, 46-47 | Longman Paul, Auckland | |
| Snakeskin | Ashurst, Gillian | Ashurst, Gillian | Feature Film | 2001 | 4 | Absence of law | Perceptions of lawyers | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | Absence of law | Law students | Law as route to power | | Alice is looking for adventure. Jonny tags along. Alice picks up Seth hitch hiking. Seth seems to be her dream man but turns out to be a drug dealer. On the run from the law in the NZ country side cf "Goodbye Pork Pie" and "Mark II". | 7, 17, 19, 37, 40, 46, 65, 72 mins | Cowgirl Productions | |
| "Some are More Equal" in Poems Unpleasant | Vogt, Anton | | Poetry | 1952 | 3 | Distrust of the legal system | Elitism of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | | Law oppressing the weak, poor. Critical legal studies and Marxist legal theory- law as a tool of power. | p 51 | Pegasus Press, Christchurch | |
| "Song to Uncle Scrim" in Selected Plays | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1984 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Individual rights vs public safety | Use of violence by legal system | | Queen Street Riot 1932 | p 135 | Pilgrims South Press, Dunedin | |
| "Songs to the Judges" in Selected Plays | Thompson, Mervyn | | Play | 1984 | 1 | Legal history | Treaty criticism/ issues | Land issues | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Tino Rangatiratanga | Racism of the law | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Perceptions of lawyers | Legal jargon | Perceptions of judges | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Judge as God | Powerful judges | Distrust of the legal system | Injustice | Hypocrisy of law | Law as a tool of oppression | Corruption in the legal system | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Law as a game | | Collection of songs about Maori and the law directed at the New Zealand Judiciary. Satirical.
1) Ahi Kaa - Lack of recognition of traditional Maori concepts of land ownership 2) The Law Song- oppressive nature of subsequent land statutes, insensitive racist judiciary. 6) We got it all together just for you - injustice of invasion of Parihaka, use of arbitrary law, injustice of arresting Rua Kenana. 9) The Raglan golf course dispute - the court's lack of respect for Maori customs, rigidness of the Pakeha legal system, court in favour of the Pakeha elite. 10) Once in a generation - Pakeha legal system backed up by force eg Parihaka and Bastion Point "Once in a generation the gavel turns into a gun" 12) Three times more likely - Maori discriminated against by the criminal justice system. 14) Scales of Justice - Lack of empathy towards Maori from Pakeha judge 15) I spit on your court - conflict between Maori and Pakeha legal system, lack of respect for Maori by New Zealand legal system. 16) The Judge's Reply - Law as a protector of "civilisation" | pp 154-185 | Pilgrims South Press, Dunedin | |
| Sons for the Return Home | Maunder, Paul | Maunder, Paul | Feature Film | 1979 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Alienation of Pacific Islanders from the legal system | Racism of the law | Access to justice | Use of violence by legal system | Injustice | Importance of due process | Individual rights vs public safety | | Sione, a Samoan, falls in love with a pakeha girl, Sarah in NZ. Their relationship ends and Sarah has an abortion. Focuses on discrimination of Pacific Islanders in NZ. There is a scene focusing on National Government dawn raids where Sione's family gets raided.
(Dawn raids during the 1970s looking for Pacific Islander "overstayers"). | 60 mins | Pacific Films | |
| Spin, The | Anon | | Novel | 1996 | 4 | Perceptions of lawyers | Perceptions of law firms | Importance of advocacy | Law as a game | Politics and law | Role of the media | Treaty criticism/ issues | | Political Spin Doctor who was a lawyer | | Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers, Auckland | |
| Stand in the Rain | Watson, Jean | | Novel | 1965 | 3 | Personification of 'The Law' | Importance of advocacy | Speed of justice | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Legal ramifications of divorce | Stereotypical tasks of a lawyer | Witnesses | | About a domestic dispute and the woman watching a friend on trial.
Friends' influence to get legal help. Adultery and law. | pp 52-53, 92-95, 97-100, 106, 108-109 | Pegasus Press, Christchurch | |
| "Stealing Rinso" in Desert Shores and other stories | Bilbrough, Norman | | Short Story | 1999 | 4 | Judge as face of the law | Access to justice | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Law as a tool of oppression | Hypocrisy of law | Alienation from the legal system- working class | Perceptions of judges | Sentencing issues | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | | From husband's point of view - Woman caught stealing - Trial in front of Magistrate - Fined 10 pounds | pp 146-148 | Canterbury University Press, Christchurch | |
| Street Legal | McGee, Greg | Bailey, Chris | TV mini-series | | 1 | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Perceptions of lawyers | Role of police in the criminal justice system | Role of the media | Court procedure | Law and religion | Importance of jury | Ethics | Corruption in the legal system | Parental pressure to go into law | Youth and law | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Man alone on the run from the law | Vigilantism as justice | Witnesses | Manipulation of court system and jury | Common man facing the law | Clients | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Criminal stigma | Law students | Elitism of the law | Sentencing issues | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Appearance of courtroom | Arrest procedure | Importance of due process | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Necessity of confessions | Public vs private life of lawyers | Importance of lawyers in times of grief | Perceptions of judges | Frustration with the legal system | Distrust of the legal system | Coercive power of the law | Legal ramifications of divorce | The way lawyers view the law | Importance of advocacy | Legal jargon | Eccentric lawyer stereotype | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Racism of the law | Access to justice | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Feminism vs Patriarchal system | Violence against women | | "Street Legal" is New Zealand's most popular legal drama, running for four seasons. The television series concentrates upon the career of David Silesi, a Samoan lawyer in Auckland. Silesi is always involved in interesting and bizarre cases, acting for underdog clients. Taking on these cases often involves Selesi in romances, shoot-outs, car chases and punch-ups. A large segment of the show is set in Silesi's chambers, providing the viewing public with one perspective of a lawyer's working day. While Silesi's office is no ordinary one, it is a more accurate reflection of the reality for most lawyers than trial scenes.
Mentoring of junior solicitors. Drug law. The role of the Law Society. Law and religion for eg. withholding of medical treatment on religious grounds. Client confidentiality. Law practice politics and judicial corruption. | 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 mins 2 episode | Screenworks | |
| "Strike" in Imperial Vistas Family Fictions | Smithyman, Kendrick | | Poetry | 2002 | 5 | Politics and law | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Law as a tool of oppression | | About miners strike in 1913 | p 75 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| "Supreme Court" in Concrete Reality | Shadbolt, Tim | | Poetry | 1981 | 4 | Perceptions of judges | Role of the media | Legal jargon | Law exploiting people's misery | Nature used as a contrast to law | Distrust of the legal system | | About the Supreme Court. Analogy between judges and vampire bats.
Role of media in sensationalising trials. | | Republican Press, Dunedin | |
| "Tailor's Task, The" in The Stepmother Tree | McNaughton, James | | Poetry | 2001 | 3 | Perceptions of judges | Coercive power of the law | Judge as God | Coercive power of the law | | Caricature of a judge - cf Pink Floyd 'The Wall'
Judge as pervert, aloof, imposing all-powerful and scary. | p 10 | Darius Press, Wellington | |
| "Te Kooti" in The Word Went Round | Howard, David | | Poetry | 2006 | 5 | Law as a vehicle to effect change | Legal history | | Poem about historic Maori leaders eg Te Kooti, Te Whiti | p 30 | Otago University Press, Dunedin | |
| "Te Whiti and The Pakeha" in Thirty Poems | Mitcalfe, Barry | | Poetry | 1960 | 4 | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Land issues | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Vigilantism as justice | Legal history | | Te Whiti - Parihaka | p 17 | Hurricane House, Auckland | |
| Telling Stories | Palmer, Geoff | | Novel | 1996 | 2 | Legal jargon | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Ignorance of the law | Law as a tool of oppression | Obstructive nature of government | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Frustration with the legal system | Inflexibility of the legal system | | Controversy over Sunday trading - Details the course of a man's life.
Copious amount of bylaws and regulations. People's readiness to lie in court. | pp 32-37,101-102, 189, 191-194, 202 | Secker & Warburg, Auckland | |
| 'That Summer' in The Stories of Frank Sargeson | Sargeson, Frank | | Short Story | 1982 | 1 | Importance of advocacy | Speed of justice | Perceptions of judges | Court procedure | Perceptions of lawyers | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Appearance of courtroom | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | Legal jargon | Witnesses | Arrest procedure | Common man facing the law | | Story about a man who is arrested, court scene - let off after a witness refuses to indict him.
Magistrate as unsympathetic and tough. Poor can't afford the law. Legal aid. Looks/appearance important in court. Patronising lawyer. | pp 190-197, 201-207, 318-319 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| Thousand-Eyed Eel: a sequence of poems from the Maori Land March 1975 | Lindsay, Graham | | Poetry | 1976 | 3 | Treaty criticism/ issues | Law as a tool of oppression | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Racism of the law | Tino Rangatiratanga | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Land issues | Legal history | Politics and law | | Maori Land March | | Hawk Press, Christchurch | |
| "Thunderbox" in Tama and other stories | Stewart, Bruce | | Short Story | 1989 | 4 | Perceptions of judges | Law as entertainment/ drama/ drama | | About farting in court - lampooning the whole process.
Humour and the court process. | p 60 | Penguin Books, Auckland | |
| To Love a Maori | Hayward, Rudall and Hayward, Ramai | Hayward, Rudall and Hayward, Ramai and Francis, Diane | Feature Film | 1972 | 2 | Law as a tool of oppression | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Racism of the law | Perceptions of lawyers | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Elitism of the law | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | | Young Maori people come to the big city and get in trouble with the law. One starts a relationship with a pakeha girl. Faces resistance from her parents and discrimination when trying to rent a house. Another is kidnapped by sailors for four weeks and another is used as a lookout for a criminal gang but is let off by the police. Important discussion at 60 mins, Pakeha girl's father discusses Maori and the law with his lawyer friend while playing golf.
Paternalistic attitude towards Maori. Racial discrimination and housing. | 28, 30, 60, 65, 71, 82 mins | Rudall and Ramai Hayward Film Productions | |
| Toll of the Bush, The | Satchell, William | | Novel | 1985 | 3 | Nature used as a contrast to law | | Trying to reconcile Law and Love. | p 97 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| Tooth and Claw | McGee, Greg | | Play | 1984 | 1 | Perceptions of lawyers | Cliche Cliche relationship between legal secretary and lawyer | Ethics | Glamorous lifestyles of legal professionals | Elitism of the law | Perceptions of judges | Law school | Law in literature within law in literature | Legal jargon | Absence of law | Natural law | Corruption in the legal system | Eccentric lawyer stereotype | Public vs private life of lawyers | The way lawyers view the law | Perceptions of law firms | Clients | Law as a game | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Racism of the law | Women in law firms/ legal profession | | About a successful lawyer, Oliver, who is struggling with the relationship between law and morality/ legal and social ethics. Having extra-marital affair with his secretary. Misappropriating clients funds cf. "That Man Harlington". In the end Oliver does the right thing.
"Is this your pound of flesh"- allusion to "Merchant of Venice". Alcoholic lawyer stereotype. Legal secretary as romantic interest. Lawyer without morals. The importance of becoming a partner. Law as an elite secret society. Reluctance of old lawyers to embrace new ways. Futility of legal aid cases. Concept of the reasonable person. Judge as moral vacuum. Philosophy of legal ethics compare with practical reality. Unrealistic law school perceptions of being a lawyer (6 minute units). Abuse of lawyer- client fiduciary relationship. Law society as ethical arbiter in NZ legal system. | pp 7-94 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| Totem Hole, The | Shannon, Paul | | Novel | 2007 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Individual rights vs public safety | | About the criminal underworld in Auckland. Police investigating character using Misuse of Drugs Act 1993.
Police hiding behind oppressive legislation. | pp 35, 126, 288 | Penguin, Auckland | |
| "Towards the Mountain" in Phoebe C. Meikle (ed) Short Stories by New Zealanders | Duggan, Maurice | | Short Story | 1970 | 2 | Perceptions of judges | Inquisitorial approach | Judge as face of the law | Youth and law | Property law | Use of trial as dramatic construct | | About 3 young people who appear in a Magistrates Court for trespass to land. The Judge impresses upon them the seriousness of what they have done and discharges them. Judge conducts the hearing using a disputes tribunal approach.
Stereotypical image of a judge as stern and grey. Informal nature of youth justice court procedures. | pp 105-9 | Longman Paul, Auckland | |
| "Tree: A Story, The" in the Red Tram | Stead, C.K. | | Poetry | 2004 | 3 | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Legal jargon | Perceptions of judges | Common man facing the law | Witnesses | Law as ineffective | | A trespass and assault scene seen from different perspectives: the writer, the neighbour, the cat, the police officer, the thrush, the judge.
Police persecution of left wing intellectuals. Tension between the police and the courts. The vagracies of legal language eg. Reasonable force. The fact that legal justice depends on perspectives (critical legal studies/ post modernism). | pp 11-12 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| "Trial" in Atua Wera | Smithyman, Kendrick | | Poetry | 1997 | 3 | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Racism of the law | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Law as a tool of oppression | Cause celebre trials | Legal history | | Te Whiti - Tohu - Parihaka - Trial of Te Whiti's followers | p 235 | Auckland University Press, Auckland | |
| "Trial" in Over the White Walls | Lauder, Hugh | | Novel | 1985 | 3 | Perceptions of judges | Youth and law | Nature used as a contrast to law | | Domestic setting with a family -analogous to a courtroom: wife as prosecutor, child as victim - Makes a parallel between trials and everyday life- Personification of pigeons as judges. | p 51 | Caxton Press, Christchurch | |
| "Tributary" in Great Lake | O'Brien, Gregory | | Poetry | 1991 | 5 | Perceptions of lawyers | Nature used as a contrast to law | | Set in the South Island. Analogy between seals and lawyers- "bellywarm".
Lawyers as rich and comfortable etc. | pp 16-17 | Local Consumption Publications, Sydney | |
| "Uncommercial Traveller, The" in Being Out of Order | Packer, Richard | | Play | 1972 | 4 | Hypocrisy of law | Law as a tool of oppression | Importance of due process | | Similar to Theatre of the Absurd - Kafkaesque | pp 60, 62, 64, 66-72 | University of Queensland Press, Queensland | |
| Union Belle | Challinor, Deborah | | Novel | 2005 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Politics and law | Elitism of the law | Corruption in the legal system | Alienation of Pacific Islanders from the legal system | Legal history | Individual rights vs public safety | Importance of due process | | The Huntly coal mine strike of 1951 (striking in support of the waterfront workers). The government introduces emergency regulations. It is about unions battling the government.
Governments using oppressive legal measures during times of emergency. | pp 18, 53, 134, 172-3 | Harper Collins, Auckland | |
| Until Proven Innocent | Malane, Donna with Boock, Paula | Burger, Peter | Television movie | 2009 | 1 | Women in law | Violence against women | Importance of advocacy | Importance of jury | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Role of the media | Perceptions of judges | Witnesses | Corruption in the legal system | Criminal stigma | Appearance of courtroom | Perceptions of lawyers | Frustration with the legal system | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Distrust of the legal system | Injustice | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Public pressure on justice system can affect change | Role of police in the criminal justice system in criminal justice system | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Suffering of victims of crime | | Based on the story of David Dougherty who was wrongfully convicted of raping an eleven year old girl. Case turned on DNA evidence which eventually proved that Dougherty was innocent. Dougherty's case is taken up by a lawyer and a journalist. Dougherty is found guilty in the first trial and loses the appeal but then is aquitted in a retrial when new DNA evidence surfaces. Shows the various trials including the Court of Appeal.
Miscarriage of justice. Nature of appeal process- ruthless nature of cross examination- complete failure of a justice system convicting an innocent man cf "Beyond Reasonable Doubt"- fallibility of expert witnesses- interpretation of term "until proven innocent"- importance of petition to the Governor General- the controversial nature of child witness evidence cf Peter Ellis case- gruelling nature of court process for rape victims- hero lawyer. | 1, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 16, 19, 22, 26, 28, 34, 38, 44, 49, 54, 62, 64, 71, 76, 78, 82 mins | Lippy Pictures | |
| Utu | Murphy, Geoff, Aberdein, Keith | Murphy, Geoff | Feature Film | 1983 | 1 | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Legal jargon | Vigilantism as justice | Difference between civilian law and martial law | Unforgiving nature of martial law | Legal history | Land issues | Tradition of British/ Pakeha legal system/ institution | Use of violence by legal system | Isolated rural area in NZ beyond the power of the law | | A kupapa Maori deserts the colonial forces after they destroy his village and vows utu. He kills a farmer's wife, three British soldiers and some civilians. He is hunted through the bush by Lieutenant Scott and then eventually caught and summarily tried in a military trial conducted by Scott. Sentenced to be executed by firing squad. Different parties fighting over who gets to kill him. Eventually his brother carries out his execution according to Maori custom. Trial scene at the end of the movie.
[Te Wheke, Maori leader: "I took up arms against the Pakeha because I could no longer believe in pakeha justice. Shoot me but do not talk of justice or mercy"] Use of common legal terms eg. "without prejudice". | 108, 118 mins | Utu Productions | |
| Viewing Platform: a novel, The | Wedde, Ian | | Novel | 2006 | 5 | Law school | Law as route to power | | About a group of tourists travelling around New Zealand.
Law school as a high status educational opportunity. | p 70 | Penguin Group, Auckland | |
| Waitmate Conspiracy, The | Lewis, Stefen | Lewis, Stefen | Feature Film | 2006 | 1 | Injustice | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Importance of advocacy | Corruption in the legal system | Perceptions of judges | Importance of evidence in criminal conviction | Perceptions of lawyers | Land issues | Treaty criticism/ issues | Distrust of the legal system | Law students | Court procedure | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Ethnocentrism | Women in law firms/ legal profession | Legal history | Treatment of Maori and Pakeha under the law | Adversarial nature of the legal system | Use of trial as dramatic construct | Ethics | | Features the Kepa family's ongoing legal battle to regain their tribal land which was unlawfully stolen in 1866. Zena, a law graduate takes on the task to represent the Kepa family. They claim that the land was seized in an act of aggression. Important court scenes showing the legal battle against the McKendrie family who occupies the land. In the first court scene Zena tries to argue using hearsay evidence which ultimately fails. When appealing they argue on historical documented evidence which they had manufactured and forged. The Kepa family win the legal battle. The title of ownership is transferred immediately. One of only two representations of Maori lawyers in NZ feature film. Numerous discussions about the admissibility of evidence. Focuses on legal ethics.
Young Maori lawyer fighting for her people. Stereotypical stern older white male judge. Controversial nature of Maori land claims cf "Crooked Earth". Rookie lawyer triumphs over experienced lawyer cf Grisham, misrepresentation of land claim settlement process. Reference to specific act Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. Difficulty in cross examining history in a court cf Waitangi Tribunal. Rejection of Maori oral history as evidence. Planting of evidence to win case cf "Beyond Reasonable Doubt". | 3, 5, 12, 24, 25, 27, 31, 37, 39, 40, 48, 54, 60, 78, 79, 83, 85 mins | Dark Horse and Hazard Press | |
| Warzones | Beaglehole, Helen | | Novel | 2005 | 3 | Law as a tool of oppression | Politics and law | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Criminal stigma | Individual rights vs public safety | Effect of legal proceedings on close friends and family | Arrest procedure | Perceptions of judges | Injustice | | Father who is a conscientious objector during WWII, put in gaol and son dealing with the consequences of his father's moral stand. While serving time the father stands up for a fellow prisoner against the authorities.
Governments using oppressive legal measures during times of emergency. "You could say he's doing just what a succession of judges have done to your father - silencing the dissent" | pp 8-12, 63-65, 83-85, 93-94, 118, 122-123 | Steele Roberts, Wellington | |
| "Waterfall of Justice, The" in Taking off | Turner, Brian | | Poetry | 2001 | 5 | Nature used as a contrast to law | | Nature of truth. Law as a metaphor. | p 86 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| "Waxeye's Challenging Flight, The" in Perspective Poems | Mehlhopt, Raymond | | Poetry | 1989 | 3 | Importance of jury | Nature used as a contrast to law | Perceptions of judges | Sentencing issues | | About a jury trial - References to nature interspersed between jury trial descriptions - Each comparison juxtaposes nature with the jury situation.
Issues surrounding jury service (eg. lost wages, challenges, frustration, boredom). | pp 22-24 | Seagull Press, Christchurch | |
| We're Here to Help | Cullinane, Jonathan | Cullinane, Jonathan | Feature Film | 2007 | 1 | Inaccessibility of the law- costs | Importance of advocacy | Politics and law | Law as a tool of oppression | Perceptions of lawyers | Law in literature within law in literature | Contract law | Tax law | Frustration with the legal system | Speed of justice | Legal jargon | Appearance of courtroom | Common man facing the law | Plight of the underdog in the legal system | Law exploiting people's misery | Access to justice | Perceptions of judges | Distrust of the legal system | Injustice | | A Kafkaesque comedy about Dave Henderson's battle with the tax department. There is confusion over a valuation document that Henderson has concerning a car. IRD feels there are areas of concern with Henderson's Stations Village development partnership. The IRD lodged a complaint in relation to s22 of the Tax Administration Act and lodged complaints of fraud, pulling Henderson's business apart. There is also a disagreement over the interpretation of s66 of the GST Act. Henderson is made bankrupt. The IRD's legal department appear incompetent and unfair. With the help of a politician, Rodney Hide, and a lawyer the fraud charges are dropped. Hide asks the Commissioner to order an internal review.
Importance of political advocacy when legal advocacy is not enough. Kafkaesque nature of the New Zealand legal system [Brother in law: "It's all very Kafkaesque"]. Contractual misrepresentation and nature of remedies, legal intricacies of GST and tax law, bureaucratic nature of in house council of large institutions eg. IRD, lawyers exacerbating conflict instead of resolving it [Patel: "Well, as somebody once said: "If it weren't for lawyers we wouldn't need them"]. Mentions specific statute of Goods and Services Act 1985 and Tax Administration Act 1994. Reference to law and literature and classics eg. Kafka and Grisham, legal standing eg. bankrupts cannot be company directors. Statutory interpretation | 10, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30, 39, 51, 60, 64, 68 mins | South Pacific Pictures and Prairie Dog Production | |
| Whanau II | Ihimaera, Witi | | Novel | 2004 | 2 | Elitism of the law | Law as route to power | Legal history | Maori justice vs Pakeha justice | Sentencing issues | Alienation from the legal system- Maori | Traditional legal concepts of Maori | Racism of the law | | About someone researching the trial of Hamiora Pere. Two young Maori discovering themselves and their whakapapa and the way in which their race was oppressed by Pakeha law. | pp 43, 94-5, 102-105, 112-3, 159-161, 221 | Reed Publishing, Auckland | |
| Wild Latitudes | Else, Barbara | | Novel | 2007 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Law as a game | Magistrate/ judge as the face of law | Importance of advocacy | Sacrifice of human element for fact and procedure | Natural law | | Set in Dunedin during the gold rushes. Law is involved in achieving retribution.
Oppressive state stifling freedom of expression. Struggles of an idealist in the court system. | pp 252-253, 426 | Random House, Auckland | |
| Wild Pork and Watercress | Crump, Barry | | Novel | 1997 | 4 | Law as a game | Importance of advocacy | | A person is trying to convince their mate that they need a lawyer - Idea of 'getting off' on a technicality | pp 132-133 | Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers, Auckland | |
| "Witness Man, The" in Palms and Minarets | O'Sullivan, Vincent | | Short Story | 1992 | 3 | Importance of advocacy | Witnesses | Law as a game | Alienation of Pacific Islanders from the legal system | Racism of the law | Role of police in the criminal justice system | Hypocrisy of law | Corruption in the legal system | Importance of jury | | Witness in a rape trial.
Manipulation of the legal system to enable the guilty to get off. Alienation of the witness, feeling out of place and trapped in the stand. Lawyer trying to manipulate the witness. Prejudice towards poor, untidy, male, Islander cf well dressed, middle class female. | pp 96-107 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |
| "XVII An Act to Make Provision" in Good Luck | Livsey, Anna | | Poetry | 2003 | 5 | Law as a tool of oppression | Racism of the law | | Oppressive Acts towards Aborigines in Australia | pp 87-88 | Victoria University Press, Wellington | |