The courts

Question 1

MAGISTRATES COURT

Answer 1

ORIGINAL - CRIMINAL
- All summary offences Committal proceedings Bail applications

Original - Civil
- Claims of up to $100 000

APPEAL - CRIMINAL
- No appellate jurisdiction

Appeal - Civil
- No appellate jurisdiction

Question 2

COUNTY COURT

Answer 2

ORIGINAL - CRIMINAL
- All indictable offences except murder, treason and terrorism

Original - Civil
- Unlimited civil jurisdiction, generally only greater than $100 000

APPEAL - CRIMINAL
- Appeals from offender on conviction as a question of fact.
- Appeals from prosecution/offenders on sanction imposed.

Appeal - Civil
- No appellate jurisdiction

Question 3

SUPREME COURT - TRIAL DIVISION

Answer 3

ORIGINAL - CRIMINAL
- Unlimited - conducts trials for the most serious indictable offences

Original - Civil
- Unlimited civil jurisdiction, generally only greater than $100 000.
- Also hears class actions

APPEAL - CRIMINAL
- Appeals from Magistrates on questions of law

Appeal - Civil
- Appeals from VCAT and Magistrates on questions of law

Question 4

SUPREME COURT - COURT OF APPEAL

Answer 4

ORIGINAL - CRIMINAL
No original jurisdiction

Original - Civil
- No original jurisdiction

APPEAL - CRIMINAL
- Appeals from County Court and Supreme Court Trial division

Appeal - Civil
- Appeals from County Court and Supreme Court trial Division

Question 5

HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Answer 5

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION
- Constitutional matters, disputes between states, disputes where the Commonwealth is a party

Original - Civil
- N/A

APPEAL - CRIMINAL
- Appeals from the Supreme Court: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Trial Division

Appeal - Civil
- Appeals from the Supreme Court: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Trial Division

Question 6

Court of Hierarchy

Answer 6

• HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA
• SUPREME COURT - Court of appeal
• SUPREME COURT - Trial division
• COUNTY COURT
• MAGISTRATES COURT