LB

legal studies notes court hericachy

  1. Local Court (Magistrates Court)

    • This is the lowest level of court in NSW.

    • It handles summary offences (less serious crimes) and committal hearings for more serious offences.

    • No jury is used; decisions are made by a magistrate.

    • Appeals from this court go to the District Court.

    • Example crime: Minor theft, drink driving, common assault.

  2. District Court

    • This is the intermediate court in NSW.

    • It hears more serious indictable offences and also hears appeals from the Local Court.

    • Cases are heard by a judge, and sometimes a jury is used.

    • Appeals from this court go to the Supreme Court or the Court of Criminal Appeal.

    • Example crime: Armed robbery, sexual assault, serious drug offences.

  3. Supreme Court of NSW

    • This is the highest court in the state.

    • It deals with the most serious criminal cases and complex civil matters.

    • It also hears appeals from the District Court.

    • Example crime: Murder, large-scale drug trafficking.

  4. NSW Court of Criminal Appeal

    • A division of the Supreme Court.

    • It hears appeals from decisions made in the Supreme and District Courts.

    • It reviews convictions and sentences to ensure justice was properly served.

    • Example crime: Appeals involving serious offences like murder or major fraud.

  5. High Court of Australia

  • This is the highest court in the country.

  • It hears appeals from the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal and other state Supreme Courts.

  • It interprets the Constitution and ensures consistency in legal principles across Australia.

  • Example crime: Final appeals in constitutional matters or serious criminal cases.