Top: Regional: Oceania: Australia: Queensland: Government and Politics: Law and Policing: The Courts

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The Magistrates Court

This is the basic level of judicial coverage in Queensland. The court can hear either civil or criminal cases up to a certain monetary amount ($40,000). The Children's Court and Coroner's Court functions at this level.

The majority of cases are associated with traffic, thefts and breaking and entry.

There is no jury and the matters are heard before a judge called a Magistrate or by two Justices of the Peace.

Appeals from this court go to the District Court of Queensland.


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The District Court

This Court hears claims between $40,000 and $200,000 and are offences of a serious matter which may result in prison sentences for up to 14 years. Most offences relate to theft and assault.
The matters are often heard befor a 12 person jury who decide guilt or innocence.


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The Supreme Court of Queensland

This is the highest court in Queensland. There is a Court of Appeal and the Trial Division of the Supreme Court. Serious crimes come before the judiciary including murder, attempted murder and manslaughter.


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Small Claims Court

Small domestic or business conflicts where the amounts are under $5000. 



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