The District Court started a different kind of hearing for young adults through a judge-led pilot in Porirua District Court launched in 2020.
Those aged 18 to 25 appearing in court are offered tailored support through the District Court’s first Young Adult List, which is designed to enhance procedural fairness.
This age group of defendants appear on a dedicated court list where specialist services are on hand to help identify and address any special needs or characteristics they may have.
A judicially led initiative, the Young Adult List began sitting in March 2020. Its official launch was delayed by the COVID-19 restrictions and was held at the end of July.
Local iwi, Ngati Toa, gifted the name, Iti rearea teitei kahikatea ka taea, to the List. This symbolises that with support the smallest bird, iti rearea, can fly to the top of the tallest tree.
As a matter of procedural fairness, young adults require a different approach. Research shows that they have underdeveloped cognitive skills and emotional intelligence and tend to be more susceptible to impulsive behaviour and peer pressure.
There is also a high prevalence of neuro-disabilities and mental illnesses in this age group, demonstrating a further need to treat them differently.
The Young Adult List draws on processes used in the Youth Court to remove barriers to participation, help young adults to effectively engage in the court process and generally understand court proceedings.
This is done by being alert to the presence of disability, information sharing between the Youth and Family Courts and the District Court, adapting the physical layout of the courtroom, and ensuring judges and lawyers and others who speak in court use plain language rather than legal jargon
In addition, a dedicated and specially trained multi-disciplinary team is present at each court session to help support young adults to actively participate in the court process. This team includes adolescent mental health workers, iwi liaison officers, adolescent-focused Corrections Officers and Restorative Justice.
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