Rule 2.1 Classification of Proceedings

Hawaiʻi courts sort criminal cases into different categories so they can be handled properly. The main categories are Traffic, Criminal Traffic, Criminal, Family Criminal, Special Proceeding, and Special Proceeding - Prisoner.

Most cases fit clearly into one of these groups based on what kind of charge or issue is involved. Traffic and Criminal Traffic cover driving related offenses, while Criminal and Family Criminal cover other criminal charges, including those tied to family cases.

Some legal actions do not fit neatly into these categories. Things like mandamus, habeas corpus, quo warranto, and prohibition are special types of court actions that ask a judge to order someone to do something, review a person's detention, or settle a dispute over legal authority. Under this rule, all of these unusual actions get grouped into the Special Proceeding category, along with anything else that does not fit the other classes.