Glossary of terms
Redaction
The removal or blacking out of sensitive information from a judgment before publication. Courts redact details to protect identities, comply with reporting restrictions, or remove information that shouldn't be public. You might see redacted sections marked with [REDACTED] or black bars.
Reporting restrictions
Court orders that limit what information about a case can be published or shared publicly. Reporting restrictions are used to protect people (especially children and vulnerable adults) or ensure a fair trial. Judgments with reporting restrictions may have names, details, or entire sections removed.
Respondent
The person or organisation responding to an appeal. If someone appeals a decision you won, you become the respondent in the appeal. The respondent usually argues that the original decision should stand.
Rex/Regina
'Rex' is Latin for 'King' and 'Regina' is Latin for 'Queen'. In criminal cases, you'll see case names like 'R v Smith', which means 'The Crown against Smith' - the state prosecuting someone. 'Rex' is used when there's a King on the throne, 'Regina' when there's a Queen. Both are abbreviated as 'R'. The 'v' stands for 'versus' (against).