About the courts
Below is a brief outline of Queensland’s courts.The Supreme Court of Queensland is the state's highest court. It hears the most serious criminal cases, including murder and serious drug offences. It also hears civil matters involving amounts of more than $250,000. The Supreme Court also includes the Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from the Supreme, the District Court and from many of Queensland's tribunals.
The District Court of Queensland is the state's intermediate court. It hears serious criminal cases involving offences such as armed robbery and rape. The District Court also hears civil matters involving amounts between $50,000 and $250,000.
The Magistrates Court of Queensland is the state's lowest level court. It deals with less serious offences such as traffic infringements and burglary. The Magistrates Court also hears civil matters involving amounts of less than $50,000.
The Childrens Court of Queensland is a special District Court that deals with serious cases involving defendants under 17 years of age. The Childrens court is a specially constituted Magistrates Court that deals with simple offences where the defendant is under 17 years of age.
The Coroners Court, part of the Magistrates Court, provides Queensland with a consistent and coordinated system that reviews deaths occurring in circumstances where further explanations are needed.
The Planning and Environment Court, part of the District Court, hears disputes about town planning, land subdivision and rezoning.
The Murri Court, part of the Magistrates Court, sentences indigenous offenders who plead guilty to minor criminal offences.
The Drug Court, part of the Magistrates Court, sentences people who have pleaded guilty to certain drug-related offences.
The Land Court hears and determines matters relating to valuation and natural resource issues.
To find out what happens before, during and after court, visit the going to court section of this website.
Printable view
Change text size
Printable view
Other languages