The most common criminal charges are called summary offences, see Types of crimes and courts. Summary offences are generally less serious offences. They are heard and decided in the Magistrates Court, usually by a single magistrate.

More serious offences are called indictable offences. These are further broken down into major indictable offences and minor indictable offences. Major indictable offences must be heard before a judge and jury in the District Court or the Supreme Court. In certain circumstances minor indictable offences can be heard in these courts, see minor indictable offences.

For matters in the Youth Court, see young offenders.

Civil proceedings are dealt with elsewhere — see COURT - SUING AND BEING SUED.