The Magistrates’ Court is the lowest court in the Victorian court hierarchy. It sits directly below the County Court.

Original criminal jurisdiction

The court hears all summary offences. Summary offences are minor offences, such as minor theft and some driving offences. Some indictable offences (serious offences) are heard summarily, such as assault.

The court conducts committal proceedings, which determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to gain a conviction at trial for an indictable offence. The Magistrates’ Court can also hear applications for bail and warrants.

Original civil jurisdiction

Can hear claims for up to $100,000. However, all claims under $10,000 will go to arbitration, rather than the court.

Appellate jurisdiction

The Magistrates’ Court does not hear appeals for criminal or civil matters.

See also:

Original and appellate jurisdictions