Courts

Question 0

The Court of Appeal

Answer 0

Hears appeals from the District or Supreme Court

Question 1

High Court

Answer 1

The high court of Australia has two main roles. It hears cases on constitutional matters and it also operates as an appellate court.

Question 2

Supreme Court

Answer 2

Criminal:
Hears indictable offences which usually carry penalties greater than 14 years imprisonment eg.
- Murder
- Manslaughter

Civil:
Relate to matters involving disputes more than $750,000

Question 3

District Court

Answer 3

Criminal:
Hears criminal matters which carry a maximum penalty of less than 14 years imprisonment eg.
- burglary
- rape

Civil:
Relate to matters involving disputes between $150,000 - $750,000

Question 4

Magistrate’s Court

Answer 4

The lowest court in the state court hierarchy.

Criminal:
Hears simple and regulatory offences eg.

• drink driving
• shoplifting

All other serious criminal matters must be heard for the first time in the magistrates court to determine whether there is sufficient evidence called a ‘committal hearing’

Civil:
Hears disputes involving up to $150,000