Guide: Perth Magistrates Courts

With the Magistrates Court’s in WA being one of the most used courts, we figured many of you would find a brief guide focusing on the Magistrates Court quite useful.

You’ll find information below relating to the Magistrates court:

  • What kind of cases it handles
  • Procedures and rules
  • Forms and fees
  • Where you can find case decisions and listings
  • List of all the Magistrates courts in Perth with locations and contact information

Cases the Magistrates Court handles

The Magistrates Courts jurisdiction in WA handle two types of cases:

Criminal

  • Only adults, aged 18 years of over, can be charged in this court.
  • Most of the time only simple offences are heard by the Magistrates Court.
  • Offences which are of a more serious nature (indictable offences) begin in the Magistrates court and may, in fact, be dealt with completely by the Magistrates Court. However, the most serious types of criminal offences must be forwarded on to the District Courts and Supreme Courts of WA.
  • There are specific divisions within the Magistrates Court which specialise in various areas of criminal offences. These divisions have the flexibility to introduce their own innovative procedures and sentencing.
  • You are allowed to represent yourself in your own case. Legal Aid WA has provided a self-help guide describing the procedures and forms to use. Register here and follow the prompts.

In more serious cases where your freedom could be in jeopardy, we recommend hiring a criminal lawyer. See here for a guide on how to find the best criminal lawyers in Perth, and here for a list of all the criminal lawyers in Perth.

Civil

There are specific requirements of your case for it to be heard by the Magistrates Court:

  • General procedure claims for damages/debt must be under $75,000
  • Minor claims for damages/debt can be up to $10,000
  • Residential tenancy matters which involve amounts up to $10,000
  • Claims for the recovery of real property up to a gross rental value of $75,000, and
  • Cases involving consumer/trader claims over the sale, supply, or hire of goods or services

For all other cases, please refer to our guide on Perth District Courts and Perth Supreme Courts.

 

Magistrates Court WA Procedures and Rules

The Magistrates Court of WA has kindly provided the public with a general guide as to the procedure of a claim and the process in the form of the flowchart below.

*Please note this is to be used as a guide only and may be subject to change without notice.

Perth Magistrates Court WA Rules & Procedures

Here are a list of the fact sheets, what they describe, and a link to read them:

  • Fact Sheet 2 – How to comment a general procedure claim in the courts
  • Fact Sheet 5 – Statement of claim procedure
  • Fact Sheet 6 – Statement of defence procedure
  • Fact Sheet 8 – How to serve an official court document
  • Fact Sheet 9 – What happens following the service of a claim
  • Fact Sheet 10 – What to do if you’ve been served with a claim
  • Fact Sheet 12 – Procedures regarding the pre-trial conferences of minor claims
  • Fact Sheet 13 – Procedures regarding the pre-trial conferences of general claims
  • Fact Sheet 14 – What are conference listing and how to prepare for them
  • Fact Sheet 16 – The rules and procedures of the trial itself
  • Fact Sheet 18 – Information relating to damages under $10,000
  • Fact Sheet 19 – Information relating to damages over $10,000
  • Fact Sheet 20 – What is a summary judgment and how to apply for one

Fact sheets relating to preparing yourself for a court appearance, what happens if there’s a change of venue, and more can be found here.

Magistrates Court Rules

You’ve seen the videos or heard the stories – A judge slamming down his Gavel (big wooden hammer) finding someone in contempt of court – but what were they actually doing?

The judge may find you in contempt of court if you:

  • Interrupt the proceedings
  • Misbehave before the court
  • Insult a person constituting the court
  • If you don’t take an oath or affirmation as requested by the court
  • Refuse to give evidence when you are competent and compellable to do so
  • Do not attend the court as a witness without a reasonable excuse
  • Do no comply with a lawful order of the court (other than to pay money)

So, what happens if you break some of those rules? You may be fined up to $12,000 or imprisoned for 12 months, or both. See here for more information.

Magistrates Court Fees and Forms

Forms

There are six (6) most commonly used forms used to lodge a claim in the Magistrates Court:

  • Civil Proceedings – Form 3 – General Procedure Claims – PDF
  • Civil Proceedings – Form 4 – Minor Case Claims – PDF
  • Civil Proceedings – Form 6 – Consumer/Trader Minor Case Claims – PDF
  • Civil Proceedings – Form 7 – Consumer/Trader General Procedure Claims – PDF
  • Residential Tenancy Form 12 – Application for court order – PDF
  • Residential Tenancy Form 6 – Application for disposal of bond money – PDF

All of these forms can be lodged electronically as well. Click here to get started. *Note payment must be made with a VISA or Mastercard to lodge electronically.

If a form you’re looking for isn’t listed above, click here for civil matters then choose and option on the left sidebar, and here for criminal matters.

Filing Fees

As of January 16, 2017 – Forms 3, 4, 5, and 6 all have the same fees:

  • Minor Claim not exceeding $10,000
    • Individual or eligible entity
      • Filing fee – $118.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for entity
      • Filing fee – $229.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for eligible individual
      • Filing fee – $35.30
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
  • General Procedure Claim Over $10,000 and not exceeding $50,000 
    • Individual or eligible entity
      • Filing fee – $299.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for entity
      • Filing fee – $584.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for eligible individual
      • Filing fee – $90.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
  • Claim exceeding $50,000 
    • Individual or eligible entity
      • Filing fee – $477.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for entity
      • Filing fee – $927.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
    • Fee for eligible individual
      • Filing fee – $100.00
      • Suiter’s fund fee – $0.20
      • Bailiff/Claimant Service fee – $70.50
  • Letter of Demand
    • Claim not exceeding $10,000 – Nil
    • Claim over $10,000 to $75,000 – $77.00
  • Lawyer’s costs
    • Claim not exceeding $10,000 – Nil
    • Claim over $10,000 to $75,000 – $407.00 fixed amount + $55.00 for each additional defendant

Form 6 and 12 relating to Residential Tenancies are as follows:

  • Claim not exceeding $10,000
    • Filing fee – $53.55
    • Filing fee (financially disadvantaged person) – $19.70
    • Suiter’s Fund fee – $0.20

Wondering what an eligible entity or individual is? See Reg 8 of the MAGISTRATES COURT (FEES) REGULATIONS 2005.

For a full list of all other fees, see this PDF file.

Where can you find Magistrates Court’s listings and decisions

Case Listings

If you believe you’re scheduled to appear before the Magistrates Court today, you can check the listings here. New listings are posted daily.

Can’t find your listing on the list? Contact the relevant court – you can find their details below.

Decisions

Unfortunately, Magistrates Court’s decisions aren’t listed publicly. The only way you’re able to obtain a copy of what happened in court is by requesting a transcript or a copy of the court document. Find the PDF file here.

You will need to know the specific case details and there are more fees:

  • Individual or Eligible Entity – $18.75 plus $6.45 per page
  • Entity – $18.75 plus $12.85 per page
  • Eligible Individual – $5.60 plus $1.95 per page

Yes, it can get quite expensive, even if you ask for a digital copy.

Perth Magistrates Court List

There is one (1) central Magistrates Court in the city, another six (6) spread out across the metropolitan area and a further twenty (20) across the rest of WA.

Below you’ll find a list of all the Magistrates courts in WA, along with their contact information such as phone, fax and email, as well as their address and opening hours.

Magistrates Court of WA

Address: 501 Hay Street, Perth 6000
Telephone: (08) 9425 2222
Fax (Criminal): (08) 9425 2776
Fax (Civil): (08) 9425 2777
Email:  PerthMagistratesCourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Armadale Magistrates Court

Address: 109 Jull Street, Armadale 6112
Telephone: (08) 9399 0700
Fax: (08) 9497 1488
Email: armadalecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Fremantle Magistrates Court

Address: 8 Holdsworth Street, Fremantle 6160
Telephone: (08) 9431 0300
Fax: (08) 9430 4464
Email: fremantlecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Joondalup Magistrates Court

Address: 21 Reid Promenade, Joondalup 6027
Telephone: (08) 9400 0700
Fax: (08) 9300 2005
Email: joondalupcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Midland Magistrates Court

Address: 24 Spring Park Road, Midland 6056
Telephone: (08) 9250 0200
Fax: (08) 9274 6676
Email: midlandcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Rockingham Magistrates Court

Address: Whitfield Street, Rockingham 6168
Telephone: (08) 9527 6433
Fax: (08) 9592 3077
Email: rockinghamcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Mandurah Magistrates Court

Address: 333 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah 6210
Telephone: (08) 9583 1100
Fax: (08) 9581 1843
Email: mandurahcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Albany Magistrates Court

Address: 184 Stirling Terrace, Albany 6330
Telephone: (08) 9854 5200
Fax: (08) 9841 7920
Email: albanycourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Broome Magistrates Court

Address: Hamersley Street, Broome 6725
Telephone: (08) 9192 1137
Fax: (08) 9192 1878
Email: broomecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Bunbury Magistrates Court

Address: 3 Stephen Street, Bunbury 6230
Telephone: (08) 9781 4200
Fax: (08) 9721 8180
Email: bunburycourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Busselton Magistrates Court

Address: 12 Stanley Street, Busselton 6280
Telephone: (08) 9754 9666
Fax: (08) 9752 4950
Email: busseltoncourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Carnarvan Magistrates Court

Address: Corner Babbage Island Road and Robinson Street, Carnarvan 6701
Telephone: (08) 9941 5500
Fax: (08) 9941 2779
Email: carnarvoncourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Christ Island Magistrates Court

Address: Christmas Island 6798
Telephone: (08) 9164 7901
Fax: (08) 9164 8530
Email: christmasiscourt@justice.wa.gov.au 
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Cocos Islands Magistrates Court

Address: Police Station, Cocos Islands 6799
Telephone: (08) 9162 6600
Fax: (08) 9162 6601
Email: cocosiscourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Collie Magistrates Court

Address: Wittenoom Street, Collie 6225
Telephone: (08) 9734 2061
Fax: (08) 6734 1817
Email: colliecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Derby Magistrates Court

Address: Loch Street, Derby 6728
Telephone: (08) 9191 1406
Fax: (08) 9193 1025
Email: derbycourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Esperance Magistrates Court

Address: Dempster Street, Esperance 6450
Telephone: (08) 9071 2444
Fax: (08) 9071 2288
Email: esperancecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Geraldton Magistrates Court

Address: 15 Marine Terrace, Geraldton 6530
Telephone: (08) 9921 3722
Fax: (08) 9964 1864
Email: geraldtoncourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court

Address: 309 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie 6430
Telephone: (08) 9093 5300
Fax: (08) 9021 2005
Email: kalgoorliecourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Karratha Magistrates Court

Address: Balmoral Road, Karratha 6714
Telephone: (08) 9185 2922
Fax: (08) 9185 2413
Email: karrathacourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Katanning Magistrates Court

Address: Clive Street, Katanning 6317
Telephone: (08) 9821 1177
Fax: (08) 9821 2210
Email: katanningcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Kununurra Magistrates Court

Address: 94 Coolabah Drive, Kununurra 6743
Telephone: (08) 9166 7100
Fax: (08) 9168 1103
Email: kununurracourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Manjimup Magistrates Court

Address: Mount Street, Manjimup 6258
Telephone: (08) 9771 1316
Fax: (08) 9777 1252
Email: manjimupcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Merredin Magistrates Court

Address: Mitchel Street, Merredin 6415
Telephone: (08) 9041 5266
Fax: (08) 9041 2604
Email: merredincourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Moora Magistrates Court

Address: Dandaragan Street. Moora 6510
Telephone: (08) 9651 1407
Fax: (08) 9651 1375
Email: mooracourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Narrogin Magistrates Court

Address: Fortune Street, Narrogin 6312
Telephone: (08) 9881 1722
Fax: (08) 9881 3344
Email: narrogincourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

Northam Magistrates Court

Address: Wellington Street, Northam 6401
Telephone: (08) 9622 1035
Fax: (08) 9622 1234
Email: northamcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)

South Hedland Magistrates Court

Address: Hawke Place, South Headland 6722
Telephone: (08) 9172 9300
Fax: (08) 9172 9330
Email: southhedlandcourt@justice.wa.gov.au
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30 pm (M-F)