Victorian courts and tribunals

The Victorian court system is structured as a hierarchy with each court and tribunal hearing matters within its jurisdiction.

 

Supreme Court of Victoria

The Supreme Court of Victoria is the highest court in the state. Established under s. 75 of the Constitution Act 1975, it comprises the Trial Division and Court of Appeal.

The Trial Division hears very serious criminal cases, like murder, and deals with large disputes over money and business. Claims for $200,000 and above in civil justice matters are heard in the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal hears appeals about decisions made in the County Court and in the Trial Division of the Supreme Court.

Cases in the Supreme Court may be heard by a judge and jury.

Contact details
Supreme Court of Victoria
210 William Street Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Phone: (03) 8600 2000
Website: supremecourt.vic.gov.au

 

County Court of Victoria

The County Court is an intermediate trial court, with both civil and criminal jurisdictions. It is above the Magistrates' Court and below the Supreme Court in the Victorian courts hierarchy.

The County Court deals with more serious crimes and with claims for amounts over $100,000. Cases in the County Court may be heard by a judge and jury.

If a decision made in the Magistrates' Court is to be appealed, it usually goes to the County Court. The judge in the County Court can decide whether to agree with the magistrate's decision or make a different decision.

The main County Court is in the centre of Melbourne. County Court judges also visit major country towns to hear cases.

Specialised areas of the County Court include the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, and the Koori Court.

Contact details

County Court of Victoria
250 William Street Melbourne,
Victoria 3000
Phone: (03) 8636 6510
Website: countycourt.vic.gov.au

 

Magistrates' Court of Victoria

The Magistrates’ Court is the busiest court, handling approximately 90 per cent of all cases that come before Victoria's courts. It sits at 52 locations state-wide.

The court’s criminal jurisdiction hears 'summary matters', which are less serious charges that are heard and decided by a magistrate, including traffic offences, minor assaults, property damage and offensive behaviour. Some 'indictable offences' – that is, more serious charges that may be heard by a judge and jury of a higher court – may also be heard and decided by a magistrate if the accused agrees. These offences include burglary and theft.

In civil matters, such as negligence claims, contract disputes and claims for repair and injury from car accidents, the Magistrates' Court can decide most disputes about money or property up to the value of $100,000. In some cases, the court can deal with unlimited value.

Specialised areas of the Magistrates’ Court include the Family Violence Court, the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, and the Koori Court.

Contact details
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria 
233 William Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Phone: (03) 9087 6111
Website: mcv.vic.gov.au

 

Children's Court of Victoria

The Children's Court of Victoria is a specialist court with jurisdiction to hear and determine cases involving children and young people, including criminal and child protection matters.

The Criminal Division of the Children’s court hears all charges except offences resulting in death or attempted murder, which must be heard in an adult court. For a matter to be heard in the Children's Court the person must have been between the ages of 10 and under 18 at the time of the offence. They must also be under 19  when their proceeding commences (when the charge is filed).

The Family Division of the Children’s Court hears protection applications, breaches of welfare orders, changes to welfare orders, irreconcilable differences applications and applications for permanent care. Applications for family violence and personal safety intervention orders are also held in this division.

Contact details
Children’s Court of Victoria 
477 Little Lonsdale Street 
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Phone: (03) 8638 3300
Website: childrenscourt.vic.gov.au

 

Coroners Court of Victoria

The Coroners Court of Victoria is a specialist court established to investigate certain types of deaths and fires. The purpose of these investigations is to consider ways that similar deaths and fires can be prevented in the future.

Contact details  
Coroners Court of Victoria 
65 Kavanagh Street
Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Phone: 1300 309 519
Website: coronerscourt.vic.gov.au

 

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

VCAT is a one-stop shop that deals with a range of disputes. It consists of civil, administrative, human rights. planning and development, and residential tenancies divisions.

Contact details
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
55 King Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 
Phone: 1300 018 228
Website: vcat.vic.gov.au