About the District Court

Operating across 32 locations statewide, the District Court is Queensland’s second-highest court. It deals with serious criminal offences as well as civil disputes ranging from $150,000 to $750,000.

Other District Court areas of responsibility include:

Matters handled by the District Court

The District Court deals with:

  • serious criminal cases, like dangerous driving, armed robbery, and rape
  • civil disputes between individuals or organisations involving $150,000 to $750,000
  • appeals from decisions made in the Magistrates Court.

All criminal cases begin in the Magistrates Court, with serious offences referred to the District Court for trial or sentencing. Criminal trials involve a jury, while individuals can file civil cases directly with the District Court. Most appeals against decisions made in the Magistrates Court are also heard in the District Court.

Decision-making in court

Criminal trial: A jury of 12 people, selected at random, decides if the accused is guilty or not guilty based on the facts of the case. If there’s no jury, the judge decides guilt. A judge makes all other decisions, including penalties.

Civil trial: A judge decides the outcome, including orders for payment or actions to fix a problem. Rarely, a jury of four people may assist.

Appeal hearing: A judge reviews the case and decides whether the original decision was correct.

Who attends court?

Criminal trials: The prosecutor presents evidence against the accused. The accused may have legal representation.

Civil trials: The plaintiff (who starts the case) presents evidence against the defendant. Both sides may have legal representation.

Appeal hearing: The appellant (who starts the appeal) and the respondent (the opposing party) present their cases.

Other attendees may include court staff, interpreters, witnesses, and the public (unless restricted).

What happens during a trial or hearing

Criminal trials

  1. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defence.
  2. Both sides question the witnesses.
  3. The jury or judge decide guilt.
  4. If guilty, the judge gives a sentence (e.g., prison, a fine, or community service). If not guilty, the judge dismisses the charges against the accused.

Civil trials

  1. The plaintiff (or applicant) presents their case, followed by the defendant (or respondent).
  2. Both sides question the witnesses.
  3. The judge gives a judgment, such as ordering payment or actions to fix the issue.

Hearing of appeals

  1. The appellant presents their case, followed by the respondent.
  2. The judge reviews the arguments and materials.
  3. The judge either dismisses the appeal or changes the original decision.

Appealing a decision

If a party believes there was an error or new evidence arises, they can appeal a District Court decision to the Court of Appeal.

Going to District Court

Below is a list of useful information, resources and tools that may be useful when you deal with matters in the District Court.