Childrens Court (Magistrates Court)
Magistrates Court - Criminal
Magistrates Court matters involving juveniles (people under the age of 17) are dealt with in a special court known as Childrens Court.
Childrens Court matters are heard in a closed court. This means only those directly involved in the case may be present and no one is permitted to publish any information which can be used to identify the defendant.
Childrens Court matters include:
- Youth Justice – proceedings involving juveniles who commit or are alleged to have committed offences
- Child protection – proceedings relating to applications by the Department of Child Safety regarding the protection of children from harm
- Applications to dispense with consent of parent to adoption – proceedings where a parent’s identity is unknown or they cannot reasonably be found.
Specific matters involving juveniles can also be heard in the District Court by the Childrens Court of Queensland (CCQ). The CCQ is separate from Childrens Court in the Magistrates Court and is presided over by specially commissioned judges from the District Court.