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Magistrates Court of Queensland

Magistrates Court of Queensland

The Magistrates Court is the first level of the Queensland Courts system and hears about 94% of court cases. Most criminal cases are first heard in this court in some form. Most civil actions are also heard here.

Unlike the Supreme and District Courts, Magistrates Courts have no jury. Therefore, the magistrate makes all decisions in criminal matters, including any penalty.

The magistrate also makes all decisions in civil matters, including an order that one side pay the other money or perform certain actions to rectify a problem.

Magistrates Courts can hear cases in around 130 locations throughout Queensland. Find your local courthouse.

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The Magistrates Court also deals with:

  • some minor family law matters (though most go to the Family Court)
  • domestic violence matters
  • applications for child protection orders
  • some other Commonwealth matters, such as those covered by the Customs Act 1901, Social Security Act 1991 and Taxation Act 1953.

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