Those courts followed the English tradition of justices of the peace sitting in and out of sessions in England.
If there is a guilty plea, the court can sentence the person straight away or may adjourn the case to another day.
If there is a not guilty plea, the case is usually adjourned to another day so that witnesses can be subpoenaed to attend and give evidence.
The presiding magistrate sits as judge and jury and determines all issues of fact and all questions of law.
In serious cases, the magistrate may commit the offender to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory to stand trial.