Access to Justice

Victoria Supreme, County, Magistrates and Childrens Court - Bendigo

The Supreme Court is the superior Court in Victoria and is divided into the Court of Appeal and the Trial Division. The Court of Appeal hears appeals from criminal and civil trials as well as appeals from proceedings which have come before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and other Tribunals.

The types of cases heard and determined by the Trial Division are all cases of treason, murder, attempted murder and other major criminal matters, civil cases involving large claims (generally over $200,000), various other cases, such as application for bail, winding up of companies, probate business and urgent applications for injunctions. 

The County Court is an intermediate Trial Court.  It's civil and criminal jurisdictions place it above the Magistrates' Court and below the Supreme Court in the Victorian courts hierarchy.

 The Magistrates' Court covers the main areas of criminal matters and traffic offences, money claims, civil disputes, family law, family violence and intervention orders, fines and penalties. The Court also manages the Criminal Justice Diversion Program and a number of court support services, including:
• Aboriginal Liaison program
• Adult court advice and support
• Community correctional services
• Court integrated services program (CISP)
• CREDIT/bail support program
• Enforcement review program  The Children's Court is a specialist court with three divisions to deal with matters relating to children and young people. The Family Division hears applications relating to the protection and care of children and young people at risk, and applications for intervention orders. The Criminal Division hears matters relating to criminal offences by children and young people.