Access to Justice

Tasmania Magistrates Court - St Helens

There are two divisions in the Tasmanian Magistrates Court, Civil and Criminal. Civil Division deals with disputes involving amounts up to $50,000 in value. Amounts in excess of $50,000 may be heard if all parties agree. The criminal jurisdiction exercised pursuant to the Justices Act 1959 comprises a major aspect of the work of the Court.

The principal courts under this legislation are Courts of Petty Sessions which are usually constituted by a Magistrate sitting alone. Usually, indictable offences must be heard and determined in the Supreme Court. However, in certain cases, based upon the amount involved or the election of the defendant, certain indictable offences may be heard and determined in the Magistrates Court or the Court of Petty Sessions.