Courts in Queensland
Role of the courts
When it is alleged that an offence is committed, Queensland police will investigate the matter and decide if there is enough evidence to charge someone with breaking the law. The person charged with the offence is called the defendant or the accused. The role of the Queensland courts is to decide if the defendant is guilty of the charges and if so, what the penalty will be.
Offences
Offences are classed as either simple offences or crimes and misdemeanours (indictable offences). Simple offences include driving offences, creating a public nuisance, trespassing and minor drug offences. Indictable offences include burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle through to more serious offences like rape, armed robbery and murder.
Courts system
The courts are ranked in order of the seriousness of the cases they hear. Queensland has three levels of state courts:
- Magistrates Court
- District Court
- Supreme Court (consisting of the Trial Division and the Court of Appeal).
Magistrates Court
The Magistrates Court of Queensland is the state's third 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.
Supreme and District Courts
The Supreme Court 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.