How the courts stack up
Each state and territory has its own courts, but they follow the same shape — a few broad levels, from everyday matters at the bottom to the most serious at the top.
Federal courts
Alongside the state courts sit the federal courts, which deal with matters governed by Commonwealth law — family law, bankruptcy, taxation, corporate and industrial law, and migration. The main ones are the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, and, at the very top, the High Court.
Which court handles what
| Traffic offences | Local / Magistrates' Court |
| Minor criminal | Local / Magistrates' Court |
| Serious criminal | District / County or Supreme Court |
| Civil disputes | Local, District/County or Supreme (by amount) |
| Family law | Federal Circuit and Family Court |
| Migration & tax | Federal Court |
| Appeals | District/County, Supreme, Court of Appeal or High Court |
| Constitutional | High Court of Australia |
Court structure where you are
The tiers are similar everywhere, but the names and the civil money limits differ. Pick your state for a snapshot.
Parts of the system
This is general information, not legal advice. Court names, money limits and procedures vary by state. If you have a matter in court, a criminal lawyer or your state's Legal Aid service can tell you exactly which court applies and what to expect.
