13.4.2 The court hierarchy The lowest courts in the hierarchy are local courts, known as the Magistrates Court in Victoria. The Magistrates Court hears most cases in Victoria. It is more informal than the higher courts, with no jury. Magistrates don’t wear wigs or robes, but you need to call them ‘Your Honour’. The Magistrates Court hears minor cases like drink driving, shoplifting or disputes involving small amounts of money. The magistrate will decide how to settle a dispute or if someone is guilty or not. If a person is found guilty, the magistrate gives a sentence. For serious cases, they may decide to send the case to a higher court.
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. What is the name of the court shown in FIGURE2 ? 2. Where is this court located? 3. What type of cases are heard here?
FIGURE2 Melbourne Magistrates Court. In this court, a magistrate will decide how to settle a dispute or if someone is guilty or not.
Next in the hierarchy are the district courts. In Victoria, this is called the County Court. The County Court hears disputes involving larger amounts of money and more serious crimes such as armed robbery, drug trafýcking and serious assaults.
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. What is the name the court shown in FIGURE3 ? 2. Where is this court located? 3. What type of cases are heard here?
FIGURE3 The County Court of Victoria in Melbourne. In this court, a judge or jury will decide how to settle a dispute or if someone is guilty or not.
488 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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