- Magistrates' Court of Queensland
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Federal Law Courts
Queensland Law Courts
- Supreme Court of Queensland
- District Court of Queensland
- Magistrates' Court of Queensland
The Magistrates Court of Queensland is the lowest court for the Australian state of Queensland. The court is the first stop in many criminal and civil actions and deal with minor criminal and civil matters. The court may also decide to send cases brought before it to a higher court in the court hierarchy.
Contents
Criminal cases
In a criminal case a police prosecutor (usually a sergeant) is always present, who gives details of the offence. A prosecutor can also be a lawyer employed by the government to represent the general public's interests in court proceedings against people accused of committing crimes. The defendant is also present, represented either by a solicitor, barrister or by himself or herself.
Civil matters
The court has jurisdiction to deal with civil matters where the amount in dispute from $25000 to $150,000. Disputes less then $25000 go to QCAT.
Court procedure
Those present at court typically include the magistrate, police prosecutor, defendant, plaintiff and witnesses for either party. It is a condition that those who enter the court bow to the Australian Coat of Arms, situated behind the Bench, upon entry. Plaintiffs, defendants, their counsel and witnesses must rise when they wish to address the bench or when addressed by the magistrate.
Members of the media and general public are allowed into the courtroom, except where a party to the proceedings is under 17 in which case the court becomes a child court and the media and public will only have restricted access to the court.
Notable former Magistrates
Di Fingleton
External links
Government of Queensland Executive Legislative Parliament • Legislative Assembly • Electoral districts • MLAs • Speaker of the Legislative Assembly • Opposition LeaderJudicial Categories:- Queensland courts and tribunals
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