The judiciary has three levels: the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council serves as the final court of appeal.
[1] The judiciary is established by Part IV of the Constitution of the Cook Islands.
[4] In 1981, the Constitution Amendment (No 9) Act 1980-81 reformed the judiciary and established the Court of Appeal.
[5] In 1982 the power to appoint judges was repatriated with the establishment of the position of King's Representative with the Constitution Amendment (No 10) Act 1981-82.
[6] The Chief Justice and a Judge of the Court of Appeal are appointed by the King's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council.