court jurisdictions

Question 1

what is an original jurisdiction

Answer 1

when a court hears a matter for the first time,

Question 2

what is an appellate jurisdiction

Answer 2

what a court is hearing an appeal

Question 3

what is the magistrates court

Answer 3

lowest court in victorian hierachy
hears less serious crimes and some small civil matters
judges are known as magistrates
hear summary offences like speeding and some indictable offences like theft and minor
the DPP is represented by a police prosecutor

Question 4

what is the county court

Answer 4

The county court hears more serious criminal and civil matters
This can include civil action involving large sums of money and serious criminal offences (such culpable driving, assault and battery and even manslaughter)
The DPP is represented in this court by a barrister

Question 5

what is the supreme court

Answer 5

The Supreme Court hears the most serious cases. The crime of murder can only be heard in the Supreme Court
The DPP is represented by an experienced barrister (sometimes a QC or SC)
The Supreme Court can also hear appeals from all the other courts in Victoria

Question 6

what is the high court

Answer 6

The highest court in Australia and the last court of appeal for all state courts (not just Victoria
Hears federal cases and deals with constitutional law

Question 7

what are the reasons for court hierachy

Answer 7

allows for specialisation and expertise
allows for appeals

Question 8

what is the court rank

Answer 8

higher court hears serious crimes
lower court hears minor crimes
most courts can hear criminal and civil cases
some courts hear appeals from lower courts

Question 9

what is the role of victorian courts

Answer 9

determine a criminal case (by deciding whether the accused is guilty)
* impose a sanction (if a person has been found, or has pleaded, guilty).