Divisions of the Magistrates Court

Divisions of the Magistrates Court

1. Infringements Court: deals with the processing and enforcement of infringement notices and penalties, such as parking and speeding fines

2. Koori Court: deals with cases informally and allows the Aboriginal community to participate in court processes. Aboriginal elders or a Respected Person, Aboriginal Justice Worker, Aboriginal defendents assist to determine an appropriate sanction. The offender must plead guilty

3. Drugs Court: deals with the sentencing and supervision of offenders who commit crime as a result of an offence under the influence of drugs and alcohol or to support a drug addiction. An offender will be sentenced to a two year Drug Treatment order.

4. Family Violence Court: deals with matters relating to domestic violence and aims to make the process of applying for an intervention order easier. Support services ensure safety and are able to provide assistance for counselling to offenders.

5. Justice Centre Court: a one-stop multi-jurisdictional court operating as a community centre providing a range of services such as drug, alcohol, mental health, housing VCAT, VOCAT. It deals with some minor court matters. Centres exist in Collingwood and Moorabbin.

6. Sexual Offences List: Special processes are used for cases relating to a charge of a sexual offence such as prostitution. Able to offer a range of assistance such as health, legal advice, training and counselling to reduce reoffending.

7. Assessment and Referal Court List: operates out of the Magistrates court (Melb) for those with mental issues undergoing criminal proceedings

8. Tribunals: Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has a range of lists such as Civil Claims, Residential Tenancies, Anti-descrimination