For lawyers
Information in this section provides assistance to legal practitioners who are representing a client in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
Practice directions
Practice directions are procedural guidelines issued by the Chief Magistrate that complement existing legislation, rules and regulations.
Online Magistrates' Court
The Online Magistrates’ Court enables matters to be heard online with parties appearing from remote locations. All jurisdictions are capable of hearing and finalising cases online.
Case tracking
Cases can by tracked by registering an email address and/or mobile phone number with the Electronic Filing Appearance System (EFAS).
Federal Jurisdiction
A Federal Jurisdiction in the Magistrates’ Court that generally deals with proceedings between residents of different states that cannot be heard in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
eDocs Portal
A web portal for external court users to securely exchange documents digitally with courts without the need for physical interaction.
CMS Portal
The CMS Portal is currently at the civil release stage — the second phase of the journey in moving from hard copy documents to digital filing, reducing the need to physically attend court.
Audio visual links
Parties to a proceeding and accused persons in custody may be able to appear via a video link for a court hearing. The arrangements for organising a video link will depend on the type of matter before the court.
Fees and costs
Legal practitioners must not charge more than fair and reasonable amounts for legal costs.
Proper venue
The court user must go to the correct venue for their legal matter. The proper venue may change depending on the legal matter before the court.
Electronic Filing and Appearance System (EFAS)
EFAS helps the court organise daily court lists by providing an online system for lawyers to complete key tasks.
Judgments
The Magistrates' Court of Victoria publishes select judgments for the industrial, workcover, civil and criminal divisions on the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) website.
Legislation
Authorised electronic versions of legislation are produced for each new Act and Statutory Rule on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website.
Inclusive language at the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Creating an inclusive and respectful environment where all court participants are treated equally.
