Going to Murri Court

Murri Court can link you with Elders and support services to help you make changes and stop offending.

Help might include things like counselling, education and training, attending a men’s or women’s group, helping you to stop drinking or taking drugs, or finding somewhere to live.

Elders and the Community Justice Group will support and encourage you, and suggest how they or other services might help you make changes.

They will give the magistrate information about the changes you’re making and your plans for the future.

When the Murri Court magistrate sentences you, they consider the information provided by the Elders and Community Justice Group.

For more information about going to Murri Court you can keep reading or watch the video

Who can go to Murri Court

If you identify as an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person, you may be able to go to Murri Court if:

  • you plead guilty or are intending to plead guilty to offences that can be dealt with in the Magistrates or Childrens Court
  • there is a Murri Court in the Magistrates or Childrens Court where you need to go to court
  • you’re on bail
  • you want to go to Murri Court.

What happens in Murri Court

  1. Once you’re found suitable for Murri Court, the magistrate will adjourn your matter to give you time to work with the CJG, Elders, and support services on changing your offending behaviour.
  2. Occasionally, you’ll have to appear in court so the Murri Court Magistrate can talk to you about your progress and see how you’re going.
  3. After some time, usually three months, the magistrate will set your matter down for sentencing.
  4. The CJG and Elders will yarn with you again about what progress you’ve made and your plans for the future. They’ll give the court a report on these things.
  5. The Murri Court magistrate will consider the report, as well as any other relevant information, and sentence you.

How to go to Murri Court

If you wish to go to Murri Court, talk to your lawyer, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) or the CJG.

They’ll help you complete the eligibility assessment form (PDF, 2.3 MB) to give to the magistrate. If the magistrate agrees that you’re eligible, they’ll refer your matters to the Murri Court.

Elders and a person from the Community Justice Group will come and yarn with you about your culture, family and health, as well as your offending and what changes you want to make in your life.

The Elders and the Community Justice Group will write a report for the Murri Court magistrate, who will consider the report and decide if you’re suitable for Murri Court.

Find out how to get in touch with your local CJG.

More information