Court Hierarchy

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Court Hierarchy

Local Court - magistrate, civil disputes up to $100 000 damage to property or injury. minor criminal matters eg- drink driving. a magistrate would reside over these cases. the coroners court investigates death by unnatural causes and suspected arson. children's court involves young children under 18 who have committed offenses . the land and environment court interpreting and enforcing environmental law. Drug court is a diversity program for people who have drug addictions.

District court - heard b judges civil cases up to $750 000 and series criminal matters eg- armed robbery. also hears appeals from local court

The Supreme court - highest court in NSW. civil cases over $750 000. the most series criminal matters eg- murder. heard by judge and jury. appeals from the 2 courts below

The NSW court of criminal appeal - hears appeals from a convicted or sentenced person from the district court or supreme court. grounds for appeal are

- a question of law - applied a law wrongly

- a question of fact - evidence is incorrect

- a challenge to the severity or adequacy of a sentence

The High court - highest court, decisions are final. Jurisdiction over the constitution of Australia. also hears appeals

Federal Court - Federal crimes are heard here. this includes family law and tax