12 August 2026 Media Statement: Updated Courtroom Conduct Guidelines published

Courts of New Zealand today published updated Guidelines for Courtroom Conduct for Counsel.  These updated Guidelines set the expected standards of courtroom behaviour for the legal profession.  They replace the Etiquette Guidelines for Counsel in Court that were issued in 2009.

The updated Guidelines were produced following consultation between the judiciary and the legal profession.  They are endorsed by the Chief Justice and Heads of Bench.

The purpose of the updated Guidelines is to support proceedings that are fair, accessible and conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of all participants. They address expected courtroom conduct for counsel, including prosecutors such as sworn police officers who are not lawyers.  

The updated Guidelines are intended to assist practitioners in their role as officers of the court and may be used as an educational resource, particularly for those new to court practice.  They cover a range of practical matters, including forms of address, courtroom dress, punctuality, use of electronic devices, and conduct during hearings. They also recognise the use of te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, the place of cultural attire, and the need for flexibility where participants require support or accommodation.

The Guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive.  They sit alongside, and do not replace, existing professional obligations under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 and the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008.  

Separate guidance may also be developed for particular courts or types of proceedings over time.