Childrens Court
A Childrens Court is presided over by a magistrate or two Justices of the Peace (Qualified).
The Children's Court has separate jurisdiction from the adult jurisdiction of the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts. The Childrens Court has the jurisdiction to:
- determine certain offences against young people under 17 years who have offended
- determine child protection matters in accordance with the Child Protection Act 1999.
Childrens Courts are convened in the same locations as Magistrates Courts throughout Queensland - except in central Brisbane where there is a separate Childrens Court building.
The Childrens Court is a closed court and therefore only certain persons are allowed to be present. Those who are allowed to attend court include:
- the magistrate (or judge in the Childrens Court of Queensland)
- court clerk
- representatives from the Department of Child Safety - applicant and court officer/legal representative
- parents and their legal representative
- the child (if old enough) and their legal representative
- the Separate Representative (lawyer) appointed by the court to represent the child's interests
- a representative of a Recognised Entity if the child is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child or young person
- non-parties who the magistrate would like to hear from.
Note:
- The child safety officer of the Department of Child Safety is known as the 'Applicant' in court.
- Parents are referred to as the 'Respondents'.
- Magistrates in the Childrens Court must be addressed as 'Your Honour'.
- Last updated
- 3 August 2007