Francis Burt Law
Education Programme
High Court of Australia
Original Jurisdiction
Has authority to hear matters
regarding the constitution and
disputes between States
Federal Court of Australia
Hears matters relating to trade
practices, mergers and misuse
of market powers
Warden’s Court
A standalone court
that deals with
proceedings
relating to disputes
over mining
tenements in WA
Coroner’s Court
A standalone court
that investigates
the reasons behind
a person’s death
FBLEP – Court Hierarchy Flow Chart Jan 2012
The Law Society of Western Australia
Appellate Jurisdiction
Hears appeals from the original
jurisdiction of the High Court, the Federal
Court and the State Supreme Courts
Family Court of Western Australia Supreme Court of Western Australia
Although it is a State court, the FCWA is
vested with both State and Federal
Jurisdiction to hear matters relating to
family law.
General Division Appeals Division
Hears appeals from
single judge decisions
of the Supreme Court,
Criminal Division Civil Division criminal matters from
Has jurisdiction over Hears probate the Magistrates Court
criminal matters matters and civil and the District Court,
which carry life in claims in excess of and civil appeals from
prison as a $750,000 the District Court
maximum possible
penalty
District Court of Western Australia
Children’s Court Criminal Division Civil Division
Hears all criminal Has jurisdiction to Hears civil matters
matters for children hear indictable for claims between
aged between 10 and matters punishable by $75,000 and
17. a maximum 20 years $750,000
imprisonment
Magistrates Court of Western Australia
Drug Court
A specialised court to assist
people whose offending
behaviour is a result of Criminal Division Civil Division
entrenched drug use Deals with summary Has jurisdiction to
and ‘either way’ hear civil claims
offences which carry under $75,000
maximum term of
imprisonment is 3
Family Violence Court
years or less
A specialised court to
provide intervention to
offenders with charges
relating to domestic violence
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