The Supreme Court (Trial Division) sits directly above the County Court, and below the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) in the Victorian court hierarchy.

Original criminal jurisdiction

The Supreme Court hears the most serious indictable offences (e.g. murder, manslaughter and treason).

Appellate criminal jurisdiction

The court hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Court on points of law (i.e. the appellant is not appealing against the conviction or sentence, but disagrees with a certain part of the law itself).

Original civil jurisdiction

The Supreme Court, like the County Court, has the jurisdiction to hear civil claims for an unlimited amount of damages. Typically, however, the Supreme Court will hear claims for greater amounts of damages than the County Court.

Appellate civil jurisdiction

The Supreme Court hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Court and from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on points of law.

See also:

Original and appellate jurisdiction