12 How to Talk About a Case
Kate Thompson
When citing cases verbally, some elements of a case citation need to be pronounced differently than they would appear in written form.
For instance, in Aotearoa New Zealand the “v” between the party names is not pronounced; instead use “and”. For example:
- The Queen and Horsfall
- Haug and Jupiters
Instead of pronouncing the R in criminal matters, use The Queen [1952–2022] or The King or The Crown.
For cases such as Re Horlick’s Malted Milk Co (1914) 34 NZLR 91 (SC), say “In the matter of” instead of Re.
Make Sure to Provide the Full Citation
In advocacy or moot situations, use the full citation the first time the case is referred to. With subsequent citations, simply indicate the party names and pinpoint reference as needed.
For example, when verbally citing R v Horsfall (2008) 24 CRNZ 402.
- First instance: “The Queen and Horsfall, decided in 2008 at volume twenty-four of the Criminal Reports of New Zealand at page 402.”
- Second and subsequent instances: “The Queen and Horsfall…”
