A magistrates' court is a lower court where, in several jurisdictions, all criminal proceedings start. Some civil matters may also be dealt with here, such as family proceedings.
Courts Magistrates' court (England and Wales) Magistrates' court (Hong Kong) District Court (Ireland), the main court of summary jurisdiction in Ireland Magistrate's courts of Israel Magistrate's Court of Jersey Magistrates' Court (Kenya) District Court (New Zealand), replaced magistrate's courts in 1980 Magistrate's court (Russia) Magistrate's court (South Africa) Magistrate's court (Sri Lanka) Magistrate court (West Virginia)
Australian courts Magistrates Court of the Australian Capital Territory Magistrates court (Northern Territory) Magistrates Court of Queensland Magistrates Court of South Australia Magistrates Court of Tasmania Magistrates' Court of Victoria Magistrates Court of Western Australia Local Court of New South Wales Federal Circuit Court of Australia (initially the Federal Magistrate's Court of Australia. The title Federal Magistrate was changed to Judge at the same time.)
Other Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 of the United Kingdom Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 of the United Kingdom Magistrate's Court (TV series) Liverpool Magistrates' Court, a court building Bow Street Magistrates' Court City of Westminster Magistrates' Court
See also Magistrate Lower court Court of summary jurisdiction