Date:
5 Mar 2020

What is the structure of the Victorian court system?

The Victorian court system is structured as a hierarchy and each court has the power to hear matters within its jurisdiction.

Victorian Courts Hierarchy

What is the jurisdiction of the Victorian courts?

Court Civil Jurisdiction Criminal Jurisdiction

Supreme Court

Monetary limit:

Unlimited authority with no monetary cap on damages.

Subject matter:

The Trial Division hears cases involving:

  • complex legal issues
  • procedural matters (including urgent applications for injunctions)
  • judicial review of administrative decisions
  • matters involving corporations law.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Trial Division and appeals from other Victorian jurisdictions.

Serious criminal matters

County Court

Monetary limit:

Unlimited authority with no monetary cap on damages.

Subject matter:

  • Claims for personal injuries and other personal actions.
  • Claims against municipal councils for loss or injury sustained while using roads, land, buildings, etc. under the control of the municipal council.
  • Actions where jurisdiction is specifically given to the County Court by a statute.
All indictable offences except treason, murder and some very serious offences

Magistrates' Court

Monetary limit:

Generally speaking, claims up to $100,000 (including personal injury).

Subject matter:

  • any cause of action for damages or a debt or a liquidated demand
  • any claim for equitable relief and actions where jurisdiction is specifically given to the Magistrates' Court by a statute.


(Section 100 of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989)

Summary offences and indictable offences heard summarily