Civil Court Procedures

Jurisdiction

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments. It determines which court has the authority to hear a case based on factors like location and subject matter.

ACT civil court hierarchy

ACAT → Magistrates Court → Supreme Court → Court of Appeals → High Court

ACT Civil and Administrative Court (ACAT)

up to $25,000

tribunal

A formal court or assembly appointed to adjudicate disputes or issues within a specific jurisdiction or expertise.

Advantages of ACAT

accessible justice, less formal, quicker, cheaper

ACAT jurisdiction

property, car crashes (& more)

ACT Magistrates Court

disputes between individuals or groups such as coporations and associations, $25,000-$250,000

ACT Supreme Court

both original and appellate jurisdiction is exerciseable; over $250,000 but unlimited money jurisdiction

ACT Court of Appeals

just the supreme court when it exercises apellate jurisdiction; uses 3 judges for expertise and consensus