Lag Law: Your rights inside prison and on release
Note: The most recent edition of Lag Law was released in 2021. While it still contains much information that is useful for those in prison and their families, some information and references are now out of date. You should, therefore, exercise caution in using it. Depending on your circumstances and the issue you are seeking information about, you may wish to check the information here against other sources or speak to a lawyer. We are currently hoping to release a revised and updated edition of Lag Law in the second half of 2026.
What is Lag Law?
Lag Law is a basic, plain English guide to help you know the laws that affect you when you are put in prison. It is not only for people in prison, but for your whānau and wider community. It will also help lawyers and other people who work with people inside prison or people who are being released from prison.
As you look through this guide, you might find that many other people have faced the same challenges and asked the same questions as you. It’s a guide to help you out at a time when sometimes you feel helpless, or when those around you feel like they don’t know what’s going on or how to help.
The guide answers questions like “How do I contact my family?”, “Can I get EM (electronically monitored) bail?”, “How can I get medical help inside prison?”, “If I need help, who can I ask?”, “Where can I find support when I’m getting out?” and more.
Each chapter has its own detailed contents page so you can easily find the information you’re looking for: from information about doctors, drugs and debts to phone calls, police or parole, and much, much more.
How can I help to make Lag Law better?
There will always be things to add, correct and improve. We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what’s good about Lag law and what we need to work on. You can contact us via email at publications@wclc.org.nz
How can I get more help?
Check out the Support chapter for information about lots of places to find more help.
Your local Community Law Centre is always a good first place to start. Community Law Centre lawyers and advocates visit most prisons in Aotearoa New Zealand, and your family or friends outside prison can also get help from the local centre on your behalf.
Lag Law is also available in PDF format and therefore can be easily read offline and printed.
