About court

Brisbane Childrens Court

If you’re under the age of 17 and have been charged with an offence, you will first go to the Childrens Court with a magistrate. This is a closed court, which means, generally, only the people involved in the case and family members can be there. If the magistrate has allowed other people to attend, someone will tell you who those people are.

Types of proceedings in the Childrens Court

Trial (summary hearing)

The trial is called a summary hearing. If you’re pleading guilty to a charge, the magistrate can hear all evidence and make a decision about whether you are guilty or not.

Sentencing

If you’re pleading guilty, or found guilty of an offence, the court can make a decision about your sentence, taking into account the seriousness of the offence(s) and any history you may have.

Committal proceedings

If your case is going to a higher court, you have the right to hear the evidence against you. This takes place before a magistrate. You will need to talk to your lawyer about this. At the end of the committal proceedings, your case may be sent to a higher court.

More information

If you have any other questions, you can contact the staff at Court Services.