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Understanding Local Courts in NSW: Functions, Jurisdictions, and Procedures

Local courts in New South Wales (NSW) are overseen by magistrates, referred to as "your worship." With 165 local courts in the state, they handle both criminal and civil matters, including the majority of summary prosecutions with claims up to $60,000. They hear cases involving summary offences like drink driving and conduct committal hearings for more serious indictable offences. Additionally, local courts have the authority to grant or deny bail based on potential risks to community safety. They also address civil matters such as family disputes and monetary claims.

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Understanding Local Courts in NSW: Functions, Jurisdictions, and Procedures

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  1. Local court Jaclyn and Paige

  2. Introduction • They are presided over by judicial officers called magistrates who are addressed as your worship • There are 165 local courts in NSW • No jury is used • The Local Court has criminal and civil jurisdictions and deals with the majority of criminal and summary prosecutions and civil matters (up to $60,000) in NSW.

  3. Main functions • To hear and decide cases that involve summary offences eg.drinkdriving • To conduct committal hearings for indictable offences ( more serious offences ). Before the case can go to trial the details must be presented to a magistrate who has to decide whether or not there is a prima facie ( reasonable case ). If there is sufficient evidence to suggest it is a reasonable case, the case will go to trial in a District or Supreme court, if not the charges are dropped and the person is released.

  4. Other information • Bail court- the court can deny or grant bail based on whether they believe the person who committed the crime will not turn up for the hearing or is a threat to the community. • Civil case- the local court not only deals with criminal cases but civil cases that could include family, money or neighborly issues for example.

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