Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the ACT Magistrates Court encompasses the entirety of the Australian Capital Territory and the Jervis Bay Territory. Under the Jervis Bay Acceptance Act 1915 (Cth), the laws of the Australian Capital Territory apply in that particular area. Magistrates from the ACT travel to Jervis Bay on a regular basis to hold court for the region.
The ACT Magistrates Court is established under, and has jurisdiction under, the "Magistrates Court Act" 1930 (ACT). It has a summary jurisdiction to deal with most criminal offences other than serious criminal matters such as murder and sexual assaults.
It also has jurisdiction to hear civil cases that are between $10,000 and $250,000 in value, although it cannot hear cases in which the title to land is in dispute. Any amount in dispute under $10,000 is dealt with by the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal.
Magistrates are also justices of the peace by virtue of their appointment as a magistrate.
Read more about this topic: Magistrates Court Of The Australian Capital Territory
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