Supreme Court

The Supreme Court who hears the most serious cases of murder, attempted

murder, manslaughter and major drug offences.

District Court | County Court

The District / County Court deals with indictable offences such as burglary, rape,

serious assault, armed robbery and fraud.

The Magistrates Court

The magistrate has the power to decide on and issue penalties

for simple offences such as drink driving and some indictable

offences.

Three levels of state courtsThe role of the state courts is to

decide if the defendant is guilty

of the charges and if so, what

the penalty will be.

Talk to a lawyer Decide to plead guilty or not guilty

Magistrates Court - Mention Date

Plead Guilty Plead Not Guilty

Decide to Plead

Guilty

Hearing of guilty

plea

Magistrate passes

sentence

Review mention

Negotiate with police

about charges

Court

diversion

programs

The first mention date

The defendant’s first day in court is called the ‘mention’ date, which they must not miss

Appeal You may be able to appeal against conviction if you are unhappy with the severity of sentence. Seek legal advice

Final hearing Evidence is heard and magistrate makes ruling. If found guilty, magistrate passes sentence

Appeal You may be able to

appeal against conviction if you

are unhappy with the severity of

sentence. Seek legal advice