Justice services

Justice Services comprises the following areas of the department:

• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
• Crown Law
• Office of the Adult Guardian
• Office of the Public Advocate
• Community Justice Services
  • Dispute Resolution Branch
  • Justices of the Peace Branch
  • Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • State Penalties Enforcement Registry
• Queensland Courts
• Land Court and Tribunals
• Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Victim Assist Queensland

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions acts on the behalf of the community to prosecute people charged with serious criminal offences in Queensland.

Crown Law

Crown Law is the principal legal provider to the Queensland State Government.

Office of the Adult Guardian

The Office of the Adult Guardian protects and safeguards the interests of vulnerable adults who are living in supported accomodation and mental health facilities (visitable sites). The office provides community education sessions and has a range of information sheets available. The office also gives general advice relating to the functions of the Adult Guardian.

Office of the Public Advocate

Office of the Public Advocate promotes and protects the rights of adult Queenslanders who have a decision-making disability. This involves advocating improving government and non-government systems that support and provide services to people with impaired capacity for making decisions.

Community Justice Services

Community Justice Services provides a range of services that support a fair and just society, including mediation and dispute resolution, Justices of the Peace (JP) services, registration of births, deaths and marriages, and penalties enforcement.

Community Justice Services has four business units:

• Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is responsible for registering births, deaths, marriages, change of name and adoptions in Queensland. The registry also can assist you to search your family history using the online historical index or can buy copies of the Queensland Pioneers Index and the Queensland Federation Index.
• State Penalties Enforcement Registry collects and enforces unpaid infringement notice fines and court ordered fines. For more detailed information and contact details visit the SPER website.
• Justices of the Peace Branch provides information about training and appointing Justices of the Peace (Qualified – JP Qual) and Commissioners for Declarations (C.decs). It maintains the Register of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations in Queensland. The branch also monitors the conduct of JPs and C.decs.
• Dispute Resolution Branch promotes the development of dispute resolution services and to provides independent, responsive and effective assistance to individuals and groups engaged in constructive conflict resolution. The branch offers training courses in mediation, facilitation and conflict resolution.

Queensland Courts

The Queensland Courts website contains more information and lists the services provided for the Supreme Court, District Court, Magistrates Court, Childrens Court, Office of the State Coroner, State Reporting Bureau and the Courts innovation Program.

All court and tribunal jurisdictions throughout Queensland are equipped with in-court digital recording and video conferencing technologies services that manage the processes associated with transcription and keeping records.

Land Court

The Land Court of Queensland is a specialised judicial tribunal constituted to hear and determine matters relating to valuation and natural resource issues.

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is an independent, fair and efficient tribunal for all Queenslanders. It combines these tribunals which no longer exist:

• Anti-Discrimination Tribunal
• Appeal tribunals formed under the Local Government Act
• Children Services Tribunal
• Commercial and Consumer Tribunal
• Fire Panel of Referees
• Fisheries Tribunal
• Guardianship and Administrative Tribunal
• Health Practitioners Tribunal
• Independent Assessor under the Prostitution Act 1999
• Legal Practice Tribunal
• Misconduct Tribunal
• Nursing Tribunal
• Racing Appeal Tribunal
• Retail Shop Leases Tribunal
• Small Claims Tribunal
• Surveyors Disciplinary Committee
• Teachers Disciplinary Committee
• Valuers Registration Committee
• Veterinary Tribunal.

Victim Assist Queensland

Victim Assist Queensland is the Queensland Government assistance scheme for victims of crime in Queensland. Victim Assist Queensland commenced on 1 December 2009, replacing the previous criminal injury compensation schemes.