The magistrates' court is the first step on the legal ladder for those involved in the criminal justice system. Over 95% of all criminal cases are dealt with by the magistrates' court, which either provides the necessary prosecution, or refers the case to the Crown Court. The magistrates' court is presided over by specially trained members of the public called justices of the peace. The magistrates' deal with most criminal cases, but they also have limited power over certain civil cases.
a county court where high level officials heard cases that did not concern life or banishment
A court where criminal proceedings are commenced before justices of the peace, who examine the evidence/statements and either deal with the case themselves or commit to the Crown Court for trial or sentence. Some magistrates also have jurisdiction in the youth court, family matters (known as the family proceedings court) and limited civil cases.
A court which has jurisdiction to hear and to determine minor civil and criminal cases and to conduct commital proceedings and other preliminary examinations. Magistrates' Courts exist in Queensland and in Victoria. In Sounth Australia, the equivalent is called a Court of Summary Jurisdiction, and in New South Wales and in Western Australia it is called a Court of Petty Sessions. In Tasmania, the terms Court of Summary Jurisdiction and Court of Petty Sessions are used. A Magistrates' Court is an inferior court. Click here to go back to the glossary. If you entered from another page click your web browsers "back" button
For Magistrates' Courts of Australian States and Territories, see the Magistrates' Court of each respective state or territory e.g. Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong are presided over by 'Permanent' and 'Special' Magistrates. Permanent Magistrates are professionally qualified. They come from barristers or solicitors.