A company which tore up its Spark contract after becoming frustrated by its "unreliable and slow" service has been whacked by more than $25,000 of termination fees.

Jock Anderson's Caseload looks at the goings-on around the courts and the legal fraternity. This week, a serial litigant is sunk by the cruise from hell.

Jock Anderson remembers a time when violent attacks on police officers were condemned and not brushed off by slick lawyers paid to find ways of shifting the blame.

The Herald understands a conditional settlement has been reached with lawyers for both parties meeting with a judge behind closed doors.

Law experts are warning Kiwis about the hidden costs of free and cheap wills that may end up hijacking a chunk of their assets in fees or causing family problems after a death.

One of the former owners of internet company Orcon who has debts of $3.57m has avoided bankruptcy and will attempt to appease creditors with a $343,000 deal.

A High Court lawsuit involving the botched sale of a $6 million luxury Auckland property, an allegedly negligent real estate agency and a Takapuna law firm is set to begin today.

The developer behind a controversial $10 million marina project that will divide Waiheke Island says investors can "kiss their money goodbye" if the project is scrapped.

A controversial artist's portrait of a convicted murderer could be destroyed if allegations of copyright infringement are pursued through the courts.

Jock Anderson delves into one of former judge Lester Chisholm's little known but significant credentials.

A finance company directed by Mark Hotchin and Eric Watson has convinced a High Court judge to keep freezing orders over two properties as it chases down a $300,000 loan.

Bridgecorp's jailed chief financial officer Rob Roest has been denied parole because of the risk he could pose to the community.

The Law Society has not criticised Justice Minister Judith Collins over the naming of Sir Robert Chambers Lane in Christchurch, as Jock Anderson writes.

The Crown will not appeal a decision to give a teen who assaulted schoolboy Stephen Dudley before his death last year a discharge without conviction.

Crime barristers are up in arms over an increase in self-represented litigants and a surge in appeals based on the competency of lawyers, writes Jock Anderson.

A company which helped set up a string of Carl's Jr fast food stores in New Zealand has taken a franchisee part-owned by former All Black Michael Jones to the High Court.

Many are angered by the fact that the two brothers who who beat and punched Stephen Dudley have walked from court free, anonymous and unpunished, writes Jock Anderson

Failed finance company director Trevor Ludlow has done contract work for a receiver with his own fraud convictions since being released on parole.