Legal shift as QCs now called KCs

• Author: George Block
• Published date: 10 September 2022
• Publication title: Northern Advocate, The (Whangarei, New Zealand)

A statement to the legal profession from Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann issued yesterday morning said QCs are now KCs following the death of the Queen

Criminal cases also become “The King v X” and senior court announcements change to refer to “the King’s Judge(s)”, the statement said.

“It was with sadness that I woke to the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died,” Winkelmann’s statement said.

“On behalf of the judiciary I have issued a statement of condolence recognising her life of extraordinary commitment to duty and unprecedented service as Sovereign.”

Courthouse flags will fly at half-mast and a decision was made to keep courts open yesterday, the statement said.

“Judges have been invited to mark the event in court in a manner of their own choosing — for example with a short statement of condolence, a karakia that has been prepared to mark this event, or two minutes silence.”

All changes are effective as of yesterday.

“As a matter of law and constitutional practice, the Crown...