Government
The Cook Islands is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in 'free association' with New Zealand. This status was achieved in 1965. The Head of State is H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's Representative is H.E. Mr Fredrick Goodwin. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister, the Hon. Jim Marurai M.P. The bicameral Parliament consists of a lower house which has 24 popularly elected members. The upper house of Parliament, the House of Ariki, consists of 15 traditional leaders who are not elected. The House of Ariki controls large areas of communal land in traditional ownership.
The capital is Rarotonga.
Demography
The estimated population of Cook Islands as of July 2007 was 21,750. The median age is 25.3 years. English is the official language with Cook Islands Maori also spoken.
Economy
The level of development is hindered by the high cost of delivering services given the disparate geography. Cook Islands is also vulnerable to natural disaster. The unemployment rate is approximately 13.1 per cent with 29 per cent of workers employed in the agricultural sector.
Legal System
Law and justice development projects
In 2005 the Cook Islands was involved in the development and implementation of training for Court support staff and evidence workshops.
Court structure and the legal system
The Cook Islands has a High Court with Civil, Criminal and Land Divisions. Until the early 1980s a right of appeal from the High Court to the Court of Appeal of New Zealand existed, however a Constitutional amendment led to the creation of a Court of Appeal of the Cook Islands. The Privy Council is the final Appellate Tribunal for the country.
Judiciary
The Court of Appeal is constituted by three judges. The Chief Justice and the puisne judges of the High Court are judges of the Court of Appeal.
Custom and the influence on the legal system
The Constitution of the Cook Islands includes a provision whereby interest in customary land is to be determined according to ancient custom and usage of the indigenous population of the Cook Islands.
