The Act defines and structures several key concepts governing the operation of the Local Court.

Court means the Local Court established by Part 2, a court of record that is a court of law and equity when exercising civil jurisdiction and a court of summary jurisdiction when exercising criminal jurisdiction (ss 3, 5). The court is independent: in the exercise of its judicial functions, the person or persons constituting the court are not subject to direction or control of any person (s 8).

Jurisdictional limit means $250,000 for civil claims (ss 3, 12). This is the ceiling for monetary claims, equitable relief and property rights unless the parties consent in writing to a higher amount (s 13). The limit does not apply to jurisdiction conferred by other Acts (s 14).

Civil jurisdiction encompasses the court’s power under Part 3 Division 2, including general civil claims, small claims matters transferred from the Tribunal, and any additional civil jurisdiction conferred by another Act (ss 9, 13, 13A, 14). The court may deal with claims where a material part arose in the Territory or the defendant resided in the Territory at service (s 16). Law and equity must be administered concurrently as under the Supreme Court Act 1979 (s 17).

Criminal jurisdiction is the court’s power under Part 3 Division 3 to deal with summary offences, indictable offences triable summarily, and preliminary examinations (ss 9, 18). It also includes proceedings under other Acts that are to be dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction (s 19).

Judge includes the Chief Judge, Deputy Chief Judges, and other Judges appointed under s 50. Acting Judges may also be appointed (ss 3, 60). Judges may not engage in legal practice or other paid work without ministerial consent (s 66).

Judicial registrar is a public sector employee appointed by the Minister, who may constitute the court for civil proceedings but cannot hear and determine a claim or conduct an appeal (ss 6, 68, 69). A party may appeal a judicial registrar’s decision to a Judge by way of a new hearing within 14 days (s 70A).

Registrar includes the principal registrar, other registrars, and judicial registrars in their capacity as registrars (s 71). Registrars exercise administrative functions and any powers delegated by the Rules, but cannot hear claims, appeals, conduct preliminary examinations or hear charges (s 74). Decisions of registrars exercising delegated jurisdiction are appealable to a Judge within 14 days (s 75).

Contempt covers a defined set of behaviours: failure to attend or produce documents when summoned, refusal to take an oath or answer questions, failure to comply with a court order (unless another law provides a means of enforcement), breach of an undertaking, wilful prevarication, and other conduct constituting contempt in the face of the court (s 45). Only the court constituted by a Judge may punish contempt (s 46(4)).

Court records include case files (with documents, recordings, transcripts, judgments, orders, directions and management information), judgments and orders, exhibits, and any other court records (ss 27-31A). Access is regulated by the Act, with parties having a right to most case-file documents but needing leave for audio/audiovisual recordings and exhibits (ss 29, 31). Any person may inspect judgments and orders unless restricted (s 30).

Process includes any process by which proceedings are commenced or enforced, summonses and warrants (s 3). Process must be issued under the court’s seal (s 41).

The Act directly affects a broad range of persons and entities who interact with the Local Court, whether as litigants, judicial officers, court staff, or otherwise affected by court orders and records.

Parties to civil proceedings , individuals, corporations, and government bodies who bring or defend claims for money, property or equitable relief within the court’s jurisdiction. They must comply with rules and practice directions, pay fees, and may consent to the court dealing with claims above the jurisdictional limit (s 13). They have rights to appear in person or by a legal practitioner (s 44), to access case files (s 29) and exhibits (s 31), and to appeal decisions of judicial registrars and registrars (ss 70A, 75). They may be subject to costs and enforcement mechanisms under the Rules.

Parties to criminal proceedings , defendants charged with summary offences or indictable offences that may be heard summarily, and the prosecution. Defendants have the right to appear and to legal representation (s 44). They may be subject to committal for trial or sentence (s 18). The court’s criminal procedure is governed by the Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928 (s 35(2)). Defendants may also be affected by contempt proceedings if they fail to comply with court orders (s 45).

Witnesses , persons summoned to give evidence or produce documents. They may be found in contempt for failing to attend, refusing to take an oath or answer questions (s 45). They may be required to be present in court throughout proceedings unless excluded under s 37.

Judicial officers , the Chief Judge, Deputy Chief Judges, Judges, acting Judges, judicial registrars, and JPs when constituting the court. The Chief Judge is responsible for the orderly and expeditious exercise of the court’s jurisdiction and must assign duties to judicial officers (ss 20, 22). Judges have protections on salary (s 55) and a prohibition on other work (s 66). Acting Judges and judicial registrars have defined terms and conditions (ss 60, 62, 69). JPs may constitute the court for prescribed purposes (s 6(4)).

Court staff , the principal registrar, registrars, bailiffs, and out-of-Territory registrars. Registrars perform administrative functions and exercise delegated powers; their decisions are appealable (ss 72, 74, 75). Bailiffs serve and execute process (s 77).

Other persons affected , persons subject to court orders (including injunctions, property orders, or orders for examination of judgment debtors); persons seeking access to court records (journalists, researchers, government agencies) who may apply for access to case files, exhibits, or judgments under sections 29, 30, 31, 31A and 31B; and persons who are subject to contempt proceedings for non-compliance with orders or undertakings (s 45). The Act also affects those who are the subject of process issued by the court, such as warrants and summonses (s 41).

Legal practitioners , they represent parties in civil and criminal proceedings, and are entitled to be present throughout proceedings (s 38). They must be familiar with the court’s rules and practice directions.

Government and regulatory bodies , including the Attorney-General, the Minister (who approves places for the court to sit, appoints judicial registrars and acting Judges, and may determine the number of Judges), the Administrator (who appoints Judges and acting Judges), the Chief Executive Officer (who assigns registrars), and the Remuneration Tribunal (which determines salaries). The Act also affects the Public Service by requiring that judicial registrars and registrars be public sector employees (ss 68(2), 71(1)).

The Act imposes specific duties and confers corresponding rights on various persons involved with the Local Court.

Duties of the Chief Judge , The Chief Judge is the principal judicial officer and must ensure the orderly and expeditious exercise of the court’s jurisdiction and powers (s 20(1), (2)). The Chief Judge must take reasonable steps to consult other Judges on matters of court administration (s 20(3)), but this does not extend to the exercise of judicial discretion (s 20(4)). The Chief Judge must assign duties to judicial officers, direct where they perform duties, and give incidental directions; judicial officers must comply (s 22). The Chief Judge also decides where and when the court sits, subject to ministerial approval of buildings (s 24(1)-(3)). The Chief Judge may issue practice directions (s 49) and, together with at least four other Judges, make rules of court (s 48). If a Judge becomes unable to continue proceedings, the Chief Judge decides that question and the decision is not liable to challenge (s 7(5)).

Duties of judicial officers , Judges, acting Judges, judicial registrars and JPs constituting the court must carry out assigned duties and comply with Chief Judge directions, provided those directions do not affect judicial discretion (s 22(3), (4)). Judges and acting Judges must take the oath of office before performing functions (s 65). They must not engage in legal practice or other paid work without ministerial consent (s 66).

Duties of parties , Parties must comply with court orders and undertakings. Failure to comply with an order (when no other law provides a means of enforcement) is contempt (s 45(3)). Breach of an undertaking is also contempt (s 45(4)). Parties must attend proceedings when required, and if required as witnesses, must take oaths, answer questions and produce documents (s 45(1), (2)). Non-compliance may result in contempt proceedings (s 46).

Rights of parties in proceedings , Every party has the right to appear before the court in person or by a legal practitioner (unless another Act provides otherwise) and to present their case, call and examine witnesses (s 44). Parties may also be represented by other persons if permitted by the Rules or any other law (s 44(3)). Parties are entitled to be present throughout proceedings unless their conduct makes it impracticable to continue in their presence (s 38). A party may apply for orders to exclude witnesses or other persons from the courtroom if justice is best served (s 37).

Rights to access court records , A party to proceedings is entitled, on request, to access to documents filed, process issued, transcripts, directions, judgments, orders and reasons for decision contained in the case file (s 29(1)(a)). Access to audio or audiovisual recordings requires leave of the court (s 29(1)(b)). Any person may inspect or obtain a copy of a judgment or order, subject to any order restricting access or whether the court was closed (s 30). Parties are entitled to access exhibits and, if the exhibit is a document or recording, to obtain a copy (s 31). The court may also grant access to other court records (s 31A) and may give access to non-parties on conditions (ss 31B). The principal registrar must arrange copies when a person is entitled (s 33).

Rights of appeal , A party may appeal a decision of a judicial registrar (made in exercise of the court’s jurisdiction) to a Judge, with the appeal to be by way of a new hearing commenced within 14 days (s 70A). The court may extend that period even if expired. The appeal does not operate as a stay unless ordered. Similarly, a party may appeal a registrar’s decision made in exercise of delegated jurisdiction, also to a Judge by way of a new hearing within 14 days (s 75). These appeal rights apply only to decisions made after the commencement of those sections (s 96).

Rights of persons in contempt proceedings , When a person is brought before the court for contempt, the court must inform the person of the contempt with which they are charged (s 46(2)). The person may apologise to the court, and the court may then amend or cancel any punishment order and order refund of any fine paid (s 47(4)). However, there is no express right to legal representation in the contempt procedure; the court may deal with the person in any procedure it thinks fit (s 46(2)(b)).

The Act provides a comprehensive regime for punishment of contempt and enforcement of court orders, supplemented by the Rules.

Contempt of court , The Act defines four categories of contempt (s 45): (1) failure to attend court or continue attendance when summoned as a witness; (2) refusal as a witness to take an oath, answer a question, or produce a document; (3) failure to comply with a court order (when no other law provides a means of punishment or enforcement); and (4) failure to comply with an undertaking given to the court. Additionally, wilful prevarication in the face of the court or any other conduct that constitutes contempt in the face of the court is contempt (s 45(5)).

Procedure for dealing with contempt , If it appears a person has committed contempt, the court may order their arrest orally (if in the face of the court) or issue a warrant or summons (s 46(1)). After the person appears, the court must inform them of the contempt charged and may deal with them in any procedure it thinks fit (s 46(2)). The Bail Act 1982 applies as if the person were accused of an offence and held in custody (s 46(3)). Importantly, the court constituted by anyone other than a Judge cannot deal with contempt; it must refer the matter to a Judge (s 46(4), (5)). Only the court constituted by a Judge may punish contempt (s 46(5)).

Punishment for contempt , If found guilty of contempt, the court may order imprisonment for not more than six months or a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units (s 47(1)). A person cannot be punished for both contempt and an offence under another Act for the same conduct (s 47(2)). The court may order early discharge from imprisonment (s 47(3)). If the person apologises, the court may amend or cancel any punishment and order refund of any fine paid (s 47(4)).

Enforcement of orders , The Act itself does not set out detailed enforcement mechanisms, but section 48(2)(c) provides that Rules of court may deal with matters relating to orders and their enforcement, including examination of judgment debtors, payment of interest on judgment debts, and seizure and sale of property. Bailiffs serve and execute process issued by the court (s 77). The court may cancel process if satisfied there is good reason, and may issue fresh process (s 41).

Refusal of documents , A registrar may refuse to accept a document for filing if it appears to be an abuse of process, frivolous or vexatious, unless a Judge has given leave (s 39(1)). A person aggrieved may apply to a Judge for leave to file (s 39(2)). If the time limit for filing has expired and a Judge later grants leave, the document may be filed even after expiry (s 39(3)).

No prerogative writs , The court cannot issue certiorari, mandamus, prohibition or quo warranto (s 15(3)). Section 93 provides that, despite repeal of the old Local Court Act, the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction to grant those writs in relation to anything done or not done by the old Local Court before commencement.

Review of registrar decisions , Decisions of registrars in exercise of delegated jurisdiction may be appealed to a Judge by way of a new hearing within 14 days (s 75). The appeal does not automatically stay the decision. This provides a check on delegated powers.

The Local Court Act 2015 operates as the primary constitutive statute for the Local Court, but it frequently interacts with other legislation, both explicitly and by implication.

Supreme Court Act 1979 , Section 17 requires that in all proceedings, law and equity must be administered in the manner provided in Part IV of the Supreme Court Act 1979, unless another Act expressly provides otherwise. This ensures consistency in the concurrent administration of law and equity. Further, section 11 provides that conferral of jurisdiction on the Local Court does not limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Local Court (Civil Procedure) Act 1989 , The court must conduct civil proceedings in accordance with that Act, along with this Act and the Rules (s 35(1)). That Act (formerly the old Local Court Act) now governs civil procedure. The transitional provisions confirm that the old Local Court Rules (1998) and Local Court (Adoption of Children) Rules 1994 become Rules under s 48 (s 89(1)).

Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act 1928 , The court must conduct criminal proceedings in accordance with that Act, the Criminal Code, this Act and the Rules (s 35(2)). The Act also references the power to conduct preliminary examinations under that Act (s 18(3)). Appeals from the court to the Supreme Court under s 163 of that Act are noted in s 33A. The transitional provisions provide that the Justices Regulations 1929 become Rules under s 48 (s 89(2)).

Criminal Code , The definitions of “indictable offence” and “summary offence” are drawn from the Criminal Code (s 18(3)). The court must also conduct criminal proceedings in accordance with the Criminal Code (s 35(2)(b)).

Small Claims Act 2016 , The court’s jurisdiction in small claims matters is limited: it can only deal with a claim that is wholly of a type mentioned in s 6 of that Act if the Tribunal has transferred the proceeding under s 99A of the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2014 (s 13A(1)(a)). If part of a claim is of that type, the court may deal with it if dealing with the other part (s 13A(1)(b)). Section 44A gives the court power to transfer claims to the Tribunal.

Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2014 , The Tribunal’s role in transferring small claims to the court is referenced in s 13A and its note. Section 44A allows the court to transfer claims to the Tribunal.

Cross-border Justice Act and Regulations , A note at the beginning of the Act states that to give effect to the Cross-border Justice Act, this Act must be applied with modifications mentioned in s 13 of that Act. Regulation modifications are prescribed in Part 3 Division 9 of the Cross-border Justice Regulations. The Act also contains transitional recognition of a “Cross-border Judge” under s 59A as modified (s 85 table item 8).

Bail Act 1982 , Applies to persons arrested for contempt as if they were accused of an offence and held in custody (s 46(3)).

Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act 2006 , Judges’ salaries, allowances and benefits are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal under s 7 of that Act (s 55(1)). Salary cannot be altered to the Judge’s detriment during term (s 55(2)).

Judicial Commission Act 2020 , Termination of a Judge’s appointment requires a report from an investigation panel under s 57 of that Act, stating that the matter could justify termination on grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour (s 57(2)).

Interpretation Act 1978 , Contains definitions and provisions that may be relevant; the note to s 3 directs attention to that Act.

Other Acts conferring jurisdiction , The Act specifically notes that jurisdiction under other Acts may be invoked through ss 14 (civil) and 19 (criminal). Section 34 provides that Division 2 (access to court records and exhibits) is subject to another Act that prohibits or regulates access or publication.

Validation provisions , Part 7A retrospectively validates appointments specified in ss 81A and 81B, even if Gazette notices were not published on time. Section 67A provides that the court’s exercise of jurisdiction is not affected only by a defect in appointment of a Judge. These provisions interact with the general law of judicial validity.

The Local Court Act 2015, as assented on 22 May 2015 and commenced on 1 May 2016, has been amended by numerous subsequent Acts. The key amendments, as recorded in the endnotes, include the following.

Justice Legislation Amendment (Small Claims and Other Matters) Act 2016 (No 3, 2016) , Inserted section 13A (jurisdiction in small claims matters), section 44A (transfer of proceedings to Tribunal), and amended sections 3, 13, 15. Also added Part 9 transitional matters.

Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (No 8, 2016) and Local Court (Repeals and Related Amendments) Act 2016 (No 9, 2016) , Made consequential amendments to transitional provisions, including amendments to sections 7, 85 and 86. These Acts renamed the old Local Court Act and the Justices Act to become the Local Court (Civil Procedure) Act and Local Court (Criminal Procedure) Act respectively.

Justice and Other Legislation Amendment (Records of Depositions and Other Matters) Act 2016 (No 16, 2016) , Inserted section 33A requiring transcripts for certain proceedings, including appeals, committals and reserved questions of law.

Statute Law Revision Act 2017 (No 4, 2017) , Amended section 85 (transitional office holder provisions).

Local Court Amendment (Judicial Appointments) Act 2018 (No 23, 2018) , Inserted Part 7A (Validation) with sections 81A to 81C, validating specific judicial appointments despite failure to publish Gazette notices. Also inserted section 67A (validity of acts despite defect in appointment). Amended sections 53, 60, and 62.

Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2019 (No 1, 2019) , Amended section 53 (appointment of Judges) and section 56 (vacation of office - retirement age).

Courts Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (No 1, 2020) , Amended section 26 (court seal) and inserted section 26A (court may issue or transmit documents electronically), enabling electronic seals and signatures.

Judicial Commission Act 2020 (No 17, 2020) , Substituted section 57 (termination of appointment of Judge) to require a report from an investigation panel before termination can occur on grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour.

Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (No 7, 2021) , Inserted section 59A (acting Deputy Chief Judge) and section 70A (review of decision of judicial registrar), and added Part 10 transitional matters for that amendment (section 96 - appeal of registrar’s decisions only applies to post-commencement decisions).

Justice Legislation Amendment (Electronic Documents) Act 2022 (No 2, 2022) , Amended sections 29, 30, 31, 33 to update access to court records and exhibits in light of electronic documents. Inserted sections 31A and 31B (access to other court records, access to persons other than parties).

Statute Law Amendment (Succession of the Crown) Act 2023 (No 10, 2023) , Amended Schedule 1 (oath of office) to reflect succession of the Crown.

The Local Court Act 2015 itself does not contain references to any specific litigation or case law. However, the Act establishes mechanisms for review and appeal that have given rise to litigation under its provisions.

Appeals from judicial registrars , Section 70A allows a party to appeal a decision of a judicial registrar (made in exercise of the court’s jurisdiction) to a Judge. The appeal is by way of a new hearing and must be commenced within 14 days. The court may extend time. The appeal does not operate as a stay unless ordered. This provision was inserted by the Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2021 and applies only to decisions made after its commencement (s 96). The existence of this appeal right has likely been the subject of court applications, but no specific cases are named in the Act.

Appeals from registrars , Section 75 provides a similar appeal from decisions of registrars exercising delegated jurisdiction. Again, the appeal is to a Judge by way of a new hearing within 14 days, with extensions possible.

Chief Judge’s decision on inability to continue , Section 7(5) provides that the Chief Judge’s decision on whether a Judge or other person is unable to continue proceedings “is not liable to be challenged on any ground”. This ouster clause would likely have been considered in applications seeking judicial review of such decisions.

Contempt proceedings , The court’s contempt power under sections 45-47 has been invoked in practice. The Act provides that a person cannot be punished for both contempt and an offence for the same conduct (s 47(2)). This may give rise to litigation on whether particular conduct constitutes contempt or an offence.

Validity of judicial appointments , Part 7A (Validation) was enacted following litigation or practice issues concerning appointments not published in the Gazette. Sections 81A-81C retrospectively validate specific appointments (e.g., Elizabeth Jane Morris as Deputy Chief Judge from 29 July 2017, Richard Johnston Wallace as acting Judge for various periods). Section 81C validates acts performed under those appointments. Section 67A provides generally that a defect in appointment does not affect the court’s exercise of jurisdiction. These provisions suggest there may have been challenges to acts performed by judges whose appointments were defective due to procedural irregularities.

Prerogative writs , Section 15(3) prohibits the court from issuing certiorari, mandamus, prohibition or quo warranto. Section 93 provides that the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction to grant those writs in relation to the old Local Court before commencement. This reflects a legislative choice to exclude supervisory jurisdiction in certain areas, which may have been tested in litigation.

Transitional continuity , Section 84 ensures proceedings before the old courts become proceedings in the new court. This provision has likely been considered in decisions about the jurisdiction of the new court over pre-commencement matters.

Practitioners and parties dealing with the Local Court should be aware of several traps in the Act.

Jurisdictional limit traps , The court’s civil jurisdiction is capped at $250,000 without consent (s 12). Many practitioners may not realise that the court can deal with a claim above that limit only if all parties give written consent (s 13(1)(b)(ii), (2)(b), (3)(b)). Oral consent is insufficient. Also, the court cannot deal with a claim that is within the jurisdiction of another court or tribunal, except as permitted by s 13A or another Act (s 13(4)). Small claims matters under the Small Claims Act 2016 can only come to the Local Court if the Tribunal transfers them (s 13A(1)(a)); practitioners cannot file them directly.

Constitution of the court , A judicial registrar may constitute the court only for civil proceedings and cannot hear and determine a claim or conduct an appeal (s 6(3)). A party who appears before a judicial registrar thinking they are before a Judge may be surprised to learn the limits on that officer’s powers. Similarly, the court constituted by JPs cannot deal with certain matters (s 6(4)), and JPs cannot punish contempt (s 46(4)). Criminal proceedings requiring Judge-alone constitution include summary trial of indictable offences (s 6(5)).

Changes in constitution , Before evidence commences, the court may change its constitution freely (s 7(1)). After evidence starts, the same person must continue unless that person becomes “unable to continue” (s 7(2), (4)). The Chief Judge’s decision on inability is not challengeable (s 7(5)). In criminal proceedings, if a guilty plea is entered and the matter adjourned before sentencing submissions begin, the court may change constitution after the adjournment, but must then stay the same (s 7(3)). This can lead to a different judge sentencing than the one who took the plea.

Contempt traps , Only a Judge may punish contempt (s 46(4)). If proceedings are before a judicial registrar or JPs and a contempt occurs, they must refer the matter to a Judge (s 46(4)(b)). Also, failure to comply with a court order is only contempt if “no other law of the Territory provides a means for punishing non-compliance with or enforcing the order” (s 45(3)(d)). Practitioners should check whether specific legislation already penalises non-compliance before invoking contempt.

Access to court records , Parties are not automatically entitled to audio or audiovisual recordings of proceedings; they need leave of the court (s 29(1)(b)). Similarly, obtaining a copy of a recording requires leave (s 29(4)(b)(ii)). Access to exhibits by non-parties requires a court application (s 31(2)). Judgments made when the court was not open to the public are not publicly available unless the court grants access (s 30(3)).

Appeals from registrars , Appeals under s 70A (judicial registrar) and s 75 (registrar) must be commenced within 14 days of the decision. The court may extend time, but cannot do so after the period has expired unless the power is exercised before expiry? The Act provides that it may extend “even if that period has expired” (s 70A(4); s 75(5)). However, practitioners should not rely on extensions. The appeal is by way of a new hearing, not a review of the original decision.

No prerogative writs , The court cannot issue certiorari, mandamus, prohibition or quo warranto (s 15(3)). This means that if a party seeks judicial review of a government decision in the Local Court, they cannot obtain those remedies; they would need to go to the Supreme Court.

Transfer to Tribunal , Section 44A allows the court to transfer a claim to the Tribunal even if the proceeding is not within the court’s jurisdiction (s 44A(4)). This is a useful power but may catch parties who think they are in the right forum.

Validation of appointments , Part 7A validates certain appointments that may not have been properly gazetted (ss 81A-81C). These appointments are deemed valid always. Practitioners should not assume that an appointment is invalid merely because of a procedural defect.

Transitional provisions , Old rules and practice directions continue (s 89), but they are now treated as rules under s 48. This may create confusion about the source of procedural requirements. Also, old contempt laws still apply to conduct before commencement (s 92). Part 4 Division 4 (new contempt provisions) does not apply to pre-commencement conduct.

Electronic documents , Section 26A allows the court to issue documents electronically, and a requirement for manual signing or sealing is taken to be met if done electronically. However, this does not limit practice directions or rules that may still require paper originals (s 26A(3)).

Compliance with the Local Court Act 2015 depends on the role of the person or entity involved. The following practical steps are drawn from the Act’s provisions.

For legal practitioners , Before commencing proceedings, confirm that the claim is within the Local Court’s jurisdiction. For civil claims, check that the amount claimed does not exceed $250,000 or that written consent from all parties has been obtained (s 13). For claims that fall within the Small Claims Act 2016, do not file directly; the matter must be transferred from the Tribunal (s 13A). File all documents in accordance with the Rules (s 48) and practice directions (s 49). If a document appears potentially abusive or vexatious, seek leave from a Judge before filing to avoid refusal by the registrar (s 39). Ensure that any consent to jurisdiction above the limit is in writing and signed by all parties. When appearing before a judicial registrar, note that they cannot hear and determine a claim or appeal (s 6(3)); if the matter requires a Judge, raise the issue. In criminal proceedings, ensure that the court is properly constituted: a Judge must hear summary trials of indictable offences (s 6(5)). For appeals from a judicial registrar or registrar, file a notice of appeal within 14 days of the decision (ss 70A, 75). Apply for an extension of time if necessary; the court may grant it even after expiry. The appeal is by way of a new hearing; prepare to present all evidence again. In contempt matters, remember that only a Judge can punish; if you are before another officer, request referral to a Judge (s 46(4)). Comply with all court orders; failure may be contempt, but first check whether another Act provides a means of enforcement (s 45(3)(d)).

For parties representing themselves , You have the right to appear in person (s 44). Ensure you receive notice of all hearings. You are entitled to access to documents in the case file, but to obtain audio or audiovisual recordings you must apply for leave (s 29(1)(b)). If you are a witness, attend when summoned, continue attending until released, take an oath if required, and answer questions truthfully to avoid contempt (s 45). If a court order requires you to do or not do something, comply strictly. If you are unable to comply, seek legal advice or apply to the court for variation.

For judicial officers and registrars , The Chief Judge must coordinate the court’s administration and assign duties, ensuring that judicial officers are deployed appropriately (ss 20, 22). Judges must take the oath of office (s 65) and avoid prohibited work (s 66). Judicial registrars cannot hear claims or appeals (s 6(3)). Registrars exercising delegated powers must not exceed the limits in s 74 (no hearing claims, appeals, or preliminary examinations; no punishing contempt). When refusing to accept a document under s 39, the registrar must still allow a party to apply to a Judge for leave. In dealing with contempt, only the court constituted by a Judge may impose punishment (s 46(4)). The Chief Judge’s decision on inability to continue under s 7(5) is final and not challengeable. Ensure that all judgments, orders and process are issued under the court’s seal (ss 40, 41). Electronic seals and signatures are permitted (s 26A). Corrections to judgments may be made for clerical errors or accidental slips (s 42).

For persons seeking access to court records , If you are a party, you are entitled to most case-file documents without an application (s 29(1)(a)). If you are not a party, you must apply for access to case files, exhibits, or other court records (ss 29(2), 30(3), 31(2), 31A(2)). The court may impose conditions. Access to judgments and orders is generally open, but if the court was closed when they were made, you need court permission (s 30(3)). Payment of fees under the regulations may be required (s 32). The principal registrar will provide copies on request (s 33).

For persons subject to process , If you are served with a summons to attend as a witness, attend and continue attending until released (s 45(1)). If you are served with a court order, comply unless you have a reasonable excuse. Non-compliance may be contempt if no other enforcement mechanism exists (s 45(3)). If you are ordered to be imprisoned for contempt, you may be discharged early by the court (s 47(3)). An apology may lead to cancellation or reduction of punishment (s 47(4)). If you are subject to process issued by the court, you may apply to have it cancelled if there is good reason (s 41).

For government bodies , The Minister must approve places and buildings for the court to sit, ensuring suitable facilities (s 24). The Administrator appoints Judges and acting Judges (ss 53, 60). The Minister appoints judicial registrars (s 68) and out-of-Territory registrars (s 79). Regulations may prescribe fees and other matters (s 81). The Chief Executive Officer assigns registrars (s 71). All these actors must comply with the Act’s requirements, especially regarding consultation (s 66(2)) and the need for Gazette notices (addressed by validation provisions).