The court could, in particular circumstances, also be constituted by one or two justices of the peace, however they were honorary appointments and they are not paid for their services.

In April 2005 the first Community Court was introduced in Darwin, principally, but not exclusively[4] for Aboriginal offenders.

[7][8] There have been calls to reinstate the courts, in order to reduce the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, and of recidivism among offenders.

[7] Jesuit Social Services welcomed the introduction of the 2021 Aboriginal Justice Agreement as a first step, and supported proposals to establish 20 Community Courts across the territory.

[a] The only exception is claims that are less than $25,000 that can be heard by the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).

The court encourages parties to complete their claims in plain English using non-technical language wherever possible.

[12] After a defence is filed, the registrar of the court fixes a conciliation conference to which the parties are required to attend.

[16] In certain circumstances, an appeal on a question of law may be made to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.