ACT Supreme Court

The ACT Supreme Court is a superior court of record enjoying civil, criminal and appellate jurisdiction. Generally the original and appellate jurisdiction of the Court is exercisable by a single judge.

Criminal trials may be heard before a judge and jury, or by judge alone at the election of the accused. In civil matters the Court has an unlimited monetary jurisdiction, although claims for less than $250,000 are usually brought in the Magistrates Court.

An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from the Magistrates Court, the Childrens Court, and the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal(ACAT) (including the ACT Administrative Appeals Tribunal).

Deals with substantial civil cases (over $250 000), indictable criminal cases, probate, letters of administration of wills, safekeeping of wills and adoption matters (via Family Services).