Local Court of New South Wales

Local Court of New South Wales

The Local Court of New South Wales is the busiest Court in NSW, where all criminal cases and most civil cases begin, and where most are finalised.

Weekday Bail Division

Information relating to the Local Court's Weekday Bail Division

Information alert
Statement on the Bail Division

On 23 June 2025, the Chief Magistrate, His Honour Judge Michael Allen issued a statement on the Bail Division

Read the Statement

News

15 October 2025 – Waverley Local Court Closure

The Local Court will cease sitting at Waverley from Monday 20 October 2025 until at least 24 December 2025 due to renovations occurring at Waverley Police Station and the expected noise from these works. Waverley Local Court will sit at Newtown Local Court during this period. Newtown Local Court will relocate to Burwood Local Court.

Read more about the closure here

25 September 2025 - Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders

Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (SDAPOs) commence on Monday 29 September 2025. SDAPOs can be made in the Local Court and the Supreme Court (see Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007). In the Local Court, the Police or the ODPP can apply for a SDAPO to be made against someone who has been convicted in the last 10 years of two or more domestic violence offences that carry a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment or more.

Read more about SDAPOs here.

11 August 2025 - Bail Division

First instance bail matters in the Downing Centre Local Court have moved into Bail Division of the Local Court.

Read more about the Bail Division

Most criminal cases in New South Wales first come before the Local Court
AVOs are orders that a Court makes to protect people
Civil cases are disputes about money or property