Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

The mission of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania is to serve the community by providing access to an accountable, independent and impartial system of justice administered according to law.

Vision Statement

The Magistrates Court of Tasmania has as its vision the achievement of professionalism and excellence in the timely, effective and efficient access to, and administration of, a cohesive system of justice for the benefit of the community; and to maintain the rule of law.

Values

Judicial independence

to ensure that the Court, as part of the third arm of government, remains independent in the exercise of its judicial functions from the Executive and Legislature, and is understood by the community to be so.
to be aware of the context in which administrative support for the Court is provided by the Executive Government to the intent, however, that in delivering its services to the community the Magistrates Court has control over, and is accountable for, its administration to the maximum extent consistent with its role and responsibilities within the justice system.

Accountability

to be accountable for the performance of our judicial and administrative functions
to use our resources efficiently and effectively in accordance with sound practice and principle

Community trust and confidence

to be independent and to act independently
to act impartially and without bias
to demonstrate integrity
to seek feedback from the Court's users

Professionalism

to pursue excellence in the services we provide
to take pride in our work
to demonstrate responsiveness to our clients and stakeholders
to maintain respect - from and for the community, and for each other
to ensure properly trained staff
to deliver a high quality of service
to maintain a friendly and happy work environment
to value team work
to recognise and use effectively the knowledge of all officers of the Court

Jurisdictions

Magistrates in Courts of Petty Sessions hear and determine simple offences, crimes triable summarily under State and Commonwealth legislation, breaches of duty, applications under various State and Commonwealth statutes, exercise a wide range of appellate and review functions. Magistrates also hear simple and indictable offices in the Youth Justice Division as well as exercising child protection and welfare responsibilities under various Acts.

Magistrates in the Civil Division hear and determine civil matters to a value of $50,000 or unlimited amount with the consent of the parties and Minor Civil Claims to a value of $5,000.

Magistrates also sit as Coroners to conduct inquests into sudden deaths, fires and explosions.

Magistrates also sit as chairpersons of various statutory tribunals, including the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal, the Motor Accidents Compensation Tribunal, the Mining Tribunal, and the Workplace Health & Safety Tribunal.