Before joining the bench in 2021, Judge Cassidy (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua) was a youth advocate, lawyer for child and teacher.
“Where I feel most at home is with young people and children; being a judge has just made me more passionate about them,” she says.
Judge Cassidy often sits at Te Kōti Rangatahi Courts held at various marae in the Auckland region. Hoani Waititi Marae runs a tikanga-based programme for young people called Whiti ki te ora and she has had “young people who’ve never spoken a word of te reo Māori in their life” stand at their graduation feeling proud to be Māori and reciting their pepeha. Connecting with tikanga is essential for them, says Judge Cassidy, who also sits in the adult criminal court.
The court connecting with the community it serves is essential too, she says. “We’re all on the same waka. We all want the same outcomes. Which is for young people not to be coming before the court. We want them to have dreams and goals and aspirations. We want them to be proud of who they are and where they come from. To have a sense of responsibility for themselves and for the community. To reach their true potential.”
This website explains many of the things you might want to know if you are coming to the Youth Court, or just wondering how the Youth Court works.
Visit website›
Ministry of Justice website with information on family issues including about going to court, forms and other times when you may need help.
Visit website›
For information about courts and tribunals, including going to court, finding a court & collection of fines and reparation.
Visit website›
On this site you will find information about our Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court including recent decisions, daily lists and news.
Visit website›