Coroners Court & Other Courts

Coroners Court of Victoria

The Coroners Court investigates reportable deaths, including deaths that are unexpected, violent or that occur in custody. A coroner may hold an inquest and make findings and recommendations, but does not decide criminal guilt. If you are asked to give evidence at an inquest, or have an interest in its outcome, get legal advice, as evidence given may be relevant to criminal investigations.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

VCAT can review certain government decisions relevant to people involved in the criminal justice system, including some firearm licence decisions, Firearm Prohibition Orders and Working with Children Check refusals.

High Court of Australia

The High Court is the final court of appeal in Australia. Criminal appeals from the Victorian Court of Appeal require special leave. The High Court sits in Canberra and also in Melbourne at the Commonwealth Law Courts.

Federal courts

Commonwealth criminal offences are usually prosecuted in Victorian state courts. The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court sit at the Commonwealth Law Courts in Melbourne and deal with related matters such as family law parenting disputes, which often run alongside family violence proceedings.