Queensland courts

Queensland’s justice system operates with a separation of powers between the legislature (parliament), the executive (government agencies) and the judiciary (the courts). The Department of Justice and Attorney-General provides administrative support to Queensland’s courts through courthouse registries, but cannot influence decisions made by a judge or magistrate.

Judicial independence from government enables Queensland’s courts to impartially settle disputes, deal with people who break the law, and determine the legal rights and obligations of individuals, business and government. The courts play a key role in upholding peace, order and good government—essential features of a civilised society.

Judges and magistrates travel to remote and regional areas to ensure all Queenslanders have access to justice. Advances in technology also allow many witnesses and defendants in these regions to give evidence via remote facilities.

In addition, Queensland’s courts coordinate a number of proactive court diversion, treatment and sentencing initiatives designed to reduce repeat offending and the over-representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

Supreme Court

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 $750,000.

Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal is a division of the Supreme Court and hears all appeals from the Supreme and District Courts, and many tribunals.

District Court

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 $150,000 and $750,000.

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 $150,000.

The following courts are parts of the Magistrates Court:

Coroners Court

The Coroners Court provides Queensland with a consistent and coordinated system that reviews accidental or sudden deaths where further explanation is needed.

Murri Court

The Murri Court sentences Indigenous offenders who plead guilty to minor criminal offences.

Drug Court

The Drug Court sentences offenders who have pleaded guilty to certain drug-related offences.

Childrens Court of Queensland

The Childrens Court of Queensland deals with offences committed by young people under the age of 17 years who commit criminal offences, unless the court orders that the matter be dealt with in an adult court.

Land Court

The Land Court hears and determines matters relating to:

• land valuation
• natural resources
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.