Magistrates' Court of Queensland

Queensland Court Hierarchy

Federal Law Courts High Court of Australia Federal Court of Australia

Queensland Law Courts Supreme Court of Queensland Court of Appeal Trial Division District Court of Queensland Magistrates' Court of Queensland

The Magistrates Court of Queensland is the lowest court for the Australian state of Queensland. The court is the first stop in many criminal and civil actions and deal with minor criminal and civil matters. The court may also decide to send cases brought before it to a higher court in the court hierarchy.

Criminal cases

In a criminal case a police prosecutor (usually a sergeant) is always present, who gives details of the offence. A prosecutor can also be a lawyer employed by the government to represent the general public's interests in court proceedings against people accused of committing crimes. The defendant is also present, represented either by a solicitor, barrister or by himself or herself.

Civil matters

The court has jurisdiction to deal with civil matters where the amount in dispute from $25000 to $150,000. Disputes less then $25000 go to QCAT.

Court procedure

Those present at court typically include the magistrate, police prosecutor, defendant, plaintiff and witnesses for either party. It is a condition that those who enter the court bow to the Australian Coat of Arms, situated behind the Bench, upon entry. Plaintiffs, defendants, their counsel and witnesses must rise when they wish to address the bench or when addressed by the magistrate.

Members of the media and general public are allowed into the courtroom, except where a party to the proceedings is under 17 in which case the court becomes a child court and the media and public will only have restricted access to the court.

Notable former Magistrates

Di Fingleton

Basil Gribbin

External links

• Queensland courts guide