Magistrates' Court of South Australia

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View of the Adelaide Magistrates' Court building.
View of the Adelaide Magistrates' Court building.

The Magistrates' Court of South Australia is South Australia's lowest level court.

The Magistrates' Court has a criminal and civil jurisdiction. In its criminal jurisdiction, the Magistrates' Court deals with summary offences, which may be dealt with by a fine, imprisonment of up to two years, community service or a good behaviour bond. In its civil jurisdiction, it hears matters seeking damages of up to $80,000 as a result of motor vehicle accidents, or up to $40,000 for general claims.

The Chief Magistrate is the principal judicial officer of the Magistrates' Court. Including the Chief Magistrate, there are 36 magistrates in South Australia, based in Adelaide and in metropolitan courts at Christies Beach, Elizabeth, Holden Hill, Mount Barker and Port Adelaide. All regional cities and country areas are serviced by magistrates on circuit from courts in Adelaide and the suburbs.

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Government of South Australia
Executive: Monarchy | Governor | Premier | Police

Legislative: Parliament | House of Assembly | MHAs | Electoral districts | Legislative Council | MLCs

State elections: 1965 - 1968 - 1970 - 1973 - 1975 - 1977 - 1979 - 1982 - 1985 - 1989 - 1993 - 1997 - 2002 - 2006

Judicial: High Court of Australia - Supreme Court - District Court - Magistrates' Court - Coroner's Court