In Queensland, most charges will be dealt with initially in the Magistrates Courts, which are situated in major towns throughout the State. Less serious and summary matters can be finalised in that court, whilst more serious or indictable offences will proceed initially by way of a committal hearing in the Magistrates Court and then subsequently to the District or Supreme Courts for a sentence or trial. The final appellate court in the State is the Court of Appeal, from which appeals lie with leave to the High Court of Australia.

It is worth emphasising that people charged with indictable offences usually have the option of testing the prosecution case at a committal hearing before the matter proceeds to a higher court. This is often an invaluable tool in securing the best result possible in any particular case. It is a facility that is becoming increasingly eroded in other states. It does however remain an integral part of the criminal justice system in Queensland.

Find your more details about your local court in the A-Z listing below.