CRIME- Courts

Question 1

NSW Local Courts

Answer 1

• Minor criminal matters (summary offences)
• Committal hearings (after being charged with any crime, the local court will decide: prima facie – is there any real evidence, will your case continue, just by looking at the facts)
• Determines which court your case will be heard in

Question 2

Children’s Court

Answer 2

• Criminal cases dealing with children and young people

- Cases about care and protection of children

Question 3

Coroner’s Court

Answer 3

Investigations about unexplained deaths and fires

Question 4

NSW District Court

Answer 4

• Serious criminal cases e.g. sexual assault, armed robbery. NOT murder, treason or piracy
• Appeals from Local Courts

Question 5

Drug Court

Answer 5

Deals with offenders who are dependent on drugs, NOT those distributing

Question 6

NSW Supreme Court (Single Judge)

Answer 6

• Serious criminal cases e.g. Murder, aggravated sexual assault
• Judge and jury

Question 7

NSW Court of Criminal Appeal

Answer 7

• Appeals from criminal cases (usually has three judges)

- Often hears ‘stated’ cases (not the whole trial, just the original judge’s decision and checks for mistakes of law)

Question 8

High Court (Single Judge)

Answer 8

• Appeals from NSW Court of Appeal (no criminal cases go straight here)
• Constitutional matters

Question 9

High Court (Full Court)

Answer 9

• Appeals on criminal matters from single judge of High Court
• Constitution

Question 10

When can someone be trialled twice?

Answer 10

Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2006 amended to allow those imprisoned for 15yrs + to be put on trail again if:

• New or compelling/strong evidence
• Tainted verdict in original trial (bribing or threatening jury)