Within Australia, there are many courts and tribunals that exist for different types of cases and it can sometimes be confusing as to how and in which court you need to be represented. Not all lawyers can represent clients in the more specific and dedicated courts. With such a range of courts and tribunals in our legal system it is important for your legal representative to have experience and up-todate knowledge of how each of them operates.
Some of the most commonly encountered courts and tribunals include:
Local Court
Serves as an entry point to the court system in all criminal and some civil and family law matters. Decisions are made by Magistrates (and not judges) without a jury.
District Court
Indictable criminal matters (except murder), appeals from magistrates and civil cases with claims below $750,000 are heard here. A judge, and usually a jury, decide on the outcome.
Supreme Court
A court of appeal and has unlimited civil jurisdiction. The Supreme Court handles the most serious criminal matters. There are other more specialised courts and tribunals, such as:
Coroners Court
Inquires into the circumstances surrounding reported deaths within NSW and determines the cause of death. The Coroner also has jurisdiction to inquire into fires and explosions where people have been injured or where property has been destroyed or damaged.
Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT)
Is an independent decision making body that offers dispute resolution services. The CTTT has nine different divisions, each with its own legislation, jurisdiction and case management practices.
Here at Quinns we have the ability to represent you in a range of courts and tribunals. Visit our dedicated website All Court Matters for more information about the various court and tribunal systems. Click here to submit an online enquiry or call 1300 QUINNS (784 667) to speak to us about your legal matter.
