The NSW Local Court traces its orgin to the bench of Sydney magistrates established by Governor Phillip in the late 18th century. Made up of 160 courts with the power to hear cases in civil, criminal and family law, it is now the largest court in Australia. It is where all criminal and some civil cases first enter the court system. Today, 98% of all criminal and civil cases are finalised in the local court.

History of Local Courts

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• Chamber Registrars
• Court Registries
• Coroners
• Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship
• Government Access Centres
• Marriage Celebrants

2 April 1787		The First Charter of Justice authorised the governor, lieutenant governor and judge advocate with the power to convene a criminal court. The governor held the power to appoint and dismiss magistrates. A number of civil and military officers were appointed as justices of the peace or magistrates. They inherited similar powers to English justices of the peace to determine minor criminal charges and convict people in discipline cases. The Charter also created a court of civil jurisdiction to hear and decide cases where pleas related to real and personal property, debts, contracts, grants of probate and to administer intestate estates. Proceedings were recorded and given to the governor for inspection.
1810		D'Arcy Wentworth became the first paid magistrate. Until this time, the role of a magistrate was honorary and magistrates had to combine their magistrate duties with other positions.		Windsor Courthouse
1821		The oldest existing local court in New South Wales was built in Windsor. Over 300 courthouses have been built in New South Wales since settlement.
1830		Payment of magistrates became common practice.
24 August 1832		Offenders Punishment and Justices Summary Jurisdiction Act (Act 3 William IV C. 3) was assented to. It defined the powers and authorities of the Courts of Petty Sessions and regulated the summary jurisdiction of the justices of the peace. Under the Act, two or more justices sitting together could convict people on charges of theft, drunkenness, disobedience of orders, neglect of or running away from work, abusive language to his or her master or other disorderly or dishonest conduct. Other duties formerly performed by the bench of magistrates were performed by the justices in Petty Sessions. The Act also allowed the appointment of a clerk at each location where Petty Sessions was held.
3 October 1832		The Courts of Petty Sessions was formally established in New South Wales by proclamation in the Government Gazette. The name "Court of Petty Sessions" was used commonly until this time without any statutory basis. Petty Sessions were held in the following locations:
		Bathurst Bong Bong or Berrima Campbelltown Darlington Goulburn Plains Inverary Invermein	Liverpool Maitland Newcastle Parramatta Paterson’s Plains Penrith Port Macquarie	Port Stephens Stonequarry Creek Sydney Windsor Wollongong
1881		"Skilled and trained" stipendiary magistrates were created under the Metropolitan Magistrates Act for the Sydney district and they had exclusive jurisdiction to deal with criminal summary offences in Sydney. Government paid magistrates had been increasingly seen to be more impartial in deciding cases and had greater knowledge and experience in legal matters. Stipendary magistrates were not required to be qualified lawyers but were selected based on an assessment of their training and efficiency as a clerk of Petty Sessions.
1902		Magistrates and Courts of Petty Session continued to be appointed under the Justices Act (NSW).
1 July 1955		Newly appointed magistrates were required to have legal qualifications.
1985		Local Courts Act abolished Courts of Petty Sessions by changing its name to the Local Court.
1986		Magistrates become independent judicial officers under the Judicial Officers Act.
2003		The retirement age of magistrates was extended to 72 years old, the same as judges of superior courts.
2004		The form of address for magistrates in court changed from “Your Worship” to “Your Honour” in line with judges of superior courts.
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Chamber Registrars	The chamber registrar provides information about legal options and court proceedings, but cannot represent people appearing before the court. In smaller courts, the chamber registrar service is often provided by the registrar of the court. Click here to see the Chamber Registrar Service Standard.
Court Registries	The registries administer the sittings of the Local Court and provide registry services to the Court’s clients, such as filing documents and answering enquiries.
Coroners	Coroners hold inquests into deaths and inquiries into fires. Outside the metropolitan area, most registrars of the local court are appointed as coroners for the State. For more information, this link is to the Coroner's Court website.
Enduring Guardianships & Enduring Powers of Attorneys	Local court registrars can witness these documents through an appointment. Click here for the Office of the Public Guardian and more information on enduring guardianships. Click here for the Guardianship Tribunal and more information on enduring powers of attorney.
Government Access Centres (GACs)	Government Access Centres operate in many regional areas through court houses and other government agencies. GACS are a one-stop shop for government services for rural and remote communities. Click here for more information on GACs.
Marriage Celebrants	Registrars of the local court at most country registries (and some larger metropolitan registries) are authorised to perform marriages. For more information click here for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Back to top