Courts and Tribunals

There are several NSW courts and tribunals, each of which fulfils a different role.

Local Court

The Local Court has a civil and criminal jurisdiction. All criminal proceedings commence in the Local Court. Summary offences and indictable offences such as theft, assault, drink driving and drug offences can be finalised in the Local Court however offences that are more serious will be committed (transferred) to the District Court of the Supreme Court.

The Local Court is responsible for conducting hearings to determine the guilt or innocence of persons charged with summary or indictable offences, sentencing persons who have plead guilty to such offences, determine licence appeals and applications for apprehended violence orders, among other things.

District Court

The District Court is New South Wales intermediate court. It hears the majority of indictable criminal offences excluding murder, treason and piracy. Its civil division hears claims of between $100,000 and $750,000. The District Court hears appeals from the Local Court; and District Court decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in NSW with the jurisdiction to hear the most serious criminal matters and all civil cases. Its operations are governed by the Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW) and the Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW). The Supreme Court also hears appeals from other NSW courts such as the District Court or the Local Court and can also hear bail applications where bail has previously been refused in the Local or District Court.

NSW Civil And Administrative Tribunal

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal or NCAT as it is known deals with a broad spectrum of matters including tenancy disputes and reviews of government decisions.

Land And Environment Court

The Land and Environment Court has the jurisdiction to hear matters that are regulated in the Land and Environment Court Act 1979.

Industrial Relations Commission

The NSW Industrial Relations Commissions deals with matters related to the workforce. It hears disputes relating to wages, industrial disputes and determines unfair dismissal claims.

Dust Diseases Tribunal

The Dust Diseases Tribunal was founded in 1989 and deals with claims from those suffering a dust-related diseases.

If you would like any information on the NSW courts, have an upcoming court appearance or would like assistance with any other legal matter contact Armstrong Legal’s criminal lawyers on 1300 038 223 or send us an email.