[3] All criminal proceedings in Queensland begin in the Magistrates Court, with minor offences being dealt with summarily, and more serious ones being referred to a higher court on the strength of evidence.

[1] The Magistrates Court has the jurisdiction to decide on civil matters for which the amount in dispute is less than or equal to A$150,000.

[5] The Magistrates Court also conducts committal hearings in which the presiding magistrate decides, based on the strength of the evidence, whether to refer the matter to a higher court.

[5] Those present at court typically include the magistrate, police prosecutor, defendant, plaintiff and witnesses for either party.

It is a condition that those who enter the court bow to the Queensland Coat of Arms, situated behind the Bench, upon entry.