Know Your Rights
One of the problems we face as agents of change is knowing what to do if we get in trouble with the authorities, be they the police, the landlord or at school. On this page you can find many different resources for dealing with different situations. This guide will grow.
The New Bush Lawyers Handbook
"The New Bush Lawyer's Handbook is a guide for activists and others facing police attention or going through the court process.
The state will tell you that ignorance of the law is no excuse, but the legal process is made inaccessible, mysterious and confusing, the province of experts and specialists available for hire to the rulers and the rich.
If you count yourself among the ruling class, or have no interest in challenging them, you probably won't be needing this pamphlet. If, on the other hand, you're actively working to create a better world, I'm afraid you probably will.
This handbook sets out to de-mystify legal processes and explain, in plain English, how you can defend yourself when in the enemy territory known as the 'justice' system."
Copies of the New Bush Lawyers Handbook are available from:
Committee for the Establishment of Civilisation
P O Box 9263
Te Aro
Wellington
For more information on your rights, check out these websites
- Lowdown The Citizens Advice Bureau youth site
- Youthlaw Phone (09) 309-6967
If you're a child or young person you can call "collect" from anywhere in New Zealand. To call collect, dial 010 and put in a collect call to Auckland 309-6967.
The advice line is open from 10am to 4pm - if you can't call then, ring outside these hours and they'll arrange to talk to you at a time that suits. Anyone can call Youthlaw for information and advice as long as they are under 25 years old or assisting a child or young person under that age. - Legal Services AgencyThe Legal Services Agency is a government funded Agency responsible for promoting access to justice for all New Zealanders. The Agency ensures that legal aid is applied consistently and that rapid access to appropriate representation is there when people most need it.
- The Ministry of Justice The Justice Ministry runs the law and has many useful resources on their site
- Courts Youth Section for the 'official' advice for young poeple.
- The Council of Trade Unions If you have a job, joining a union is the best way to ensure you have a bunch of people to help you if you get in any strife at work with your boss or your colleagues.
- The Consumers Institute Sometimes when you buy something you can get majorly ripped off. Before you go and hassle the store, get informed and know where you stand.
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