ACT Magistrates Court

Contact Information

Phone: (02) 6207 1203 (Registrar)
Street Address: ACT Law Courts Building, 4 Knowles Place, Canberra City ACT 2601
Postal Address: GPO Box 370, Canberra City ACT 2601
Registry hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm (enquiry counter)
Telephone hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Days open: Monday to Friday

About this court

The ACT Magistrates Court is the entry point for most criminal, traffic matters, and civil proceedings in the Australian Capital Territory. It sits in the ACT Law Courts Building at Knowles Place in Canberra City, which it shares with the ACT Supreme Court.

The court includes a number of specialist jurisdictions, among them the Children’s Court, the Coroners Court, the Galambany Court, and the Family Violence Court. The Children’s Court deals with criminal matters involving young people and with care and protection matters.

Matters heard in this Court

This court generally deals with a range of matters, including:

  • Summary criminal offences, which are less serious offences finalised in the Magistrates Court
  • Committal proceedings for more serious indictable offences before they move to the Supreme Court
  • Traffic offences, including drink and drug driving matters
  • Bail applications and variations
  • Civil proceedings with a monetary value up to $250,000
  • Family violence and personal protection order matters
  • Children’s Court matters, including youth criminal and care and protection proceedings

More serious indictable matters are committed to the ACT Supreme Court for trial or sentence.

Court listings and appearances

Daily court listings for the ACT Magistrates Court are published each morning on the ACT Courts website. Confirm your hearing date and time from your court documents or the official listings before attending, as matters are scheduled in advance.

Legal support at ACT Magistrates Court

Hugo Law Group represents clients across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia, including in criminal, traffic, and appellate matters.

We can assist with:

  • Court appearances at mentions, hearings, and sentencing
  • Advice and preparation before court
  • Representation in criminal and traffic matters
  • Bail applications and urgent proceedings
  • Appeals and appellate matters, where applicable

Contact Hugo Law Group

If you need advice or representation for a matter at ACT Magistrates Court, contact Hugo Law Group to discuss your situation and next steps.