Childrens Court
In Queensland, criminal matters involving children are dealt with in the Childrens Court of Queensland (CCQ) constituted either by a Judge or a Magistrate depending on the seriousness of the offences with which the young person is charged.
The CCQ is constituted by:
- An appointed Childrens Court Judge, or other District Court Judge if a Childrens Court Judge is unavailable.
- An appointed Childrens Court Magistrate or other Magistrate if a Childrens Court Magistrate is unavailable.
The CCQ also hears matters involving child protection and certain adoption cases.
Important note
The CCQ is different to the Family Court of Australia. The Family Court is a federal court, dealing with other family-related proceedings such as custody issues between parents, while the Childrens Court is a state court.
Find out how matters involving juveniles are dealt with by the courts.