COURT HIERACHY

MAGISTRATES COURT

• The lowest court in the Victoria hierachy
• There is no jury
• At state level and can be located in lots of places in Victoria (Refer to next slide)
• The magistrate looks over the cases (decides on the verdict and sets punishment)
• The magistrate courts are mainly held for summary offences such as stealing, drink-driving

.The minor civil disputes are up to $100,000 .

THE COUNTY COURT

• Deals with more serious civil cases
• Indictable offences except for homicide
• Eg. Armed robbery, rape, burglary
• Looked over by the judge
• Jurys are used in criminal cases to decide on the verdict

.JURYS ARE OPTIONAL FOR CIVIL CASES

• County courts in victoria:
• 250 William Street, Melbourne

RULES OF COURT

• Be truthful in all statements that you make in court
• Do not call or write to the judge
• Be courteous- do not interrupt others who is speaking
• If you have an objection, merely say "objection!"
• Treat everyone with respect especially all the court personnel

RULES OF COURT PART II

• Do not make faces or gesture to anyone
• Show your respect by dressing appropriately and wearing clean clothes.
• Do not bring any food or beverages into the court - no chewing gum
• Or eating candy in the courtroom
• Do not bring children into the court room unless ordered

COURT RULES PART III

• Bring at least four copies of documents that you want to use for evidence
• All the documents should be pre-marked with a case number,name, date
• Dont be late, plan your trip well