The most common criminal charges are called summary offences (see Summary Offences). Summary offences are generally less serious offences. They are usually heard and decided in the Magistrates Court by a single Magistrate.

More serious offences are called indictable offences. These are further broken down into:

Major indictable offences must be heard before a judge and (if chosen) a jury in the District or Supreme Courts. In certain circumstances minor indictable offences can also be heard in these courts.

Offenders under the age of 18 are usually dealt with in the Youth Court (see Young Offenders).

Civil proceedings are dealt with elsewhere — see Court - Suing or Being Sued.