District Court
The District Court deals with serious criminal offences such as rape, armed robbery and fraud. Juries are used to decide if defendants are guilty or not guilty.This court also hears appeals from cases decided in the Magistrates Court and disputes involving amounts of more than $50,000, but less than $250,000. A jury may be used to decide these financial disputes.
The District Court includes the:
- Planning and Environment Court which hears disputes over land, such as objections to rezonings and subdivisions
- Health Practitioners Tribunal which hears matters relating to the conduct and practice of registered health practitioners in Queensland
- Children’s Court of Queensland which deals with cases where the accused (or defendant) is under the age of seventeen.
The District Court sits in Brisbane, Ipswich, Southport, Beenleigh, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns. Judges also travel throughout Queensland to hear matters in regional and remote areas.
Last updated 18 December 2007
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