Magistrates Courts of Queensland
| Magistrates Courts of Queensland | |
|---|---|
The Brisbane Magistrates Court building, a location of the Magistrates Court | |
| Jurisdiction | Queensland |
| Location | 130 locations across Queensland |
| Composition method | Magistrates appointed by the governor on the advice of the attorney-general |
| Authorised by |
|
| Appeals to | District Court of Queensland |
| Judge term length | Mandatory retirement by age 70 |
| Website | www.courts.qld.gov.au |
| Chief Magistrate of Queensland | |
| Currently | Judge Janelle Brassington |
| Since | 8 July 2022 |
| Deputy Chief Magistrate of Queensland | |
| Currently | Anthony Gett & Stephen Courtney |
| Queensland Court Hierarchy |
|---|
| Federal Law Courts |
| Queensland Law Courts |
|
| Tribunals |
The Magistrates Courts of Queensland are the lowest courts in the court hierarchy of Queensland, Australia. All criminal proceedings in Queensland begin in the Magistrates Courts, with minor offences being dealt with summarily, and more serious ones being referred to a higher court on the strength of evidence. Most criminal cases are first heard in a Magistrates Court, as are most civil cases. The Magistrates Courts hears approximately 95% of all court cases in Queensland.
Decisions made by a Magistrate Court may be heard on appeal to the District Court of Queensland. Magistrates Courts do not have an appellate jurisdiction.
The Chief Magistrate of Queensland, since 2022, is Judge Janelle Brassington.