1. Enter search terms in the boxes or click on the down arrow to select from a list. If you fill in more than one box, results must meet all criteria. Try to make the search as specific as possible since the database contains many decisions.
2. Click on SEARCH once you have entered all your criteria.
The main search box is different from the others. It will search on the exact phrase entered, alternatively, simple 'operators' can be used to combine multiple search terms.
| Operator | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|
| AND | burglary AND aggravated assault | Finds decisions containing both 'burglary' and 'aggravated assault'. |
| OR | knife OR gun | Finds decisions containing 'knife' or 'gun' or both. |
| NOT | burglary NOT assault | Finds decisions containing 'burglary' but not 'assault'. |
| % | tran% | Finds decisions containing 'transport', 'transplant', 'transition', etc. |
Also, some common words are automatically excluded from the search, for example 'the' will be excluded from any search.
| Search | This field searches the entire text of the decision. |
| Case Name | Names of plaintiff(s) and defendant(s). Use surnames for individuals. |
| Court | The Court jurisdiction in which the decision was handed down. E.g. 'High Court'. |
| Location | The location of the Court. E.g. 'Wellington'. |
| Decision Date | The date of judgment, represented by the day, month and year (DD MMM YYYY). |
| Judicial Officer(s) | The judicial officer(s) who heard the decision. Use surname, if there are several judges with the same surname add a jurisdiction or location to narrow the search. |
| File Number | Unique number assigned by the Court. |
| Appearance | The counsel or representatives of the parties involved. |