What the Supreme Court of Victoria does
The Supreme Court of Victoria has two parts. The Trial Division exercises original jurisdiction (where cases start) and is organised into the Criminal Division, the Common Law Division and the Commercial Court. The Court of Appeal is the State's highest appeal court and reviews decisions of lower courts and the Trial Division. The Court sits above the County Court and the Magistrates' Court of Victoria; on federal or constitutional points, an appeal from it can go to the High Court of Australia. Because of its unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction, it deals with matters that are too serious, too valuable or too legally complex for the other courts.
What it hears
- Serious indictable crime in its Criminal Division, such as murder, attempted murder, large-scale drug and corporate offences, and certain conspiracies
- Major civil claims of high value or complexity beyond the County or Magistrates' Courts, including contract, tort, personal injury and negligence
- Complex commercial and corporate disputes in the Commercial Court, including insolvency, corporations, banking and finance, building, intellectual property, taxation and arbitration
- Equity, trusts and probate matters, including breaches of trust and disputes over deceased estates and wills
- Judicial review and the Court's supervisory jurisdiction over inferior courts, tribunals (including VCAT) and public officials
- Appeals to the Court of Appeal against criminal and civil decisions of the County Court, the Supreme Court Trial Division and, in some cases, the Magistrates' Court and VCAT
- Group proceedings and class actions, and other large multi-party litigation
- Employment, industrial and administrative law matters that raise questions of law
Before your first court date
In civil matters, a proceeding usually starts when someone files an originating process (a writ or an originating motion) with the relevant Registry. Most filing is now done electronically through the Court's RedCrest e-filing system, and the originating document must then be served on the other party. Court fees are payable on filing and for hearings, with fee waivers or exemptions available in cases of genuine financial hardship. Before your first listing, check the Practice Notes for the relevant division, as each division has its own procedures and expectations. Criminal trials usually reach the Trial Division only after a committal in the Magistrates' Court, where a magistrate decides there is enough evidence to put the accused on trial for an indictable offence. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court's "Help with court processes" guidance and the Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator can point you to what to do next.
What happens at your first appearance
In civil cases the first formal court event is typically a directions hearing rather than the trial itself. At a directions hearing the parties, or their lawyers, attend and a judge or associate judge makes procedural orders and sets a timetable for steps such as pleadings, discovery of documents, expert evidence and mediation. The judicial officer does not decide who wins at this stage; they manage the case and may fix later dates for further directions, an interlocutory application, or the trial. Many civil disputes are referred to mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution before trial, and the Commercial Court in particular uses intensive judge-led case management to narrow the issues. Arrive early, be ready to explain what stage your matter is at, and bring any orders or correspondence about the listing.
What to prepare
- Your court reference or proceeding number and any orders, notices or correspondence telling you when and where to attend
- Copies of the key documents in your matter, including anything you have filed or been served with, organised so you can find them quickly
- The relevant division's Practice Note, so you understand the procedures that apply to your case
- A short, clear summary of what stage your matter is at and what you are asking the Court to do or decide
- Details of any steps already taken, such as service, mediation, discovery or expert reports, and any deadlines set by the Court
- If you cannot afford fees, information about applying for a fee waiver or exemption, and if you are self-represented, the Court's 'Help with court processes' guidance
When to get legal advice
The Supreme Court hears the most serious and complex matters in Victoria, where the stakes, costs and rules are high, so it is wise to get advice from an admitted Australian lawyer rather than relying on general information alone. Court staff can explain processes and forms, but they cannot tell you what to do, how strong your case is, or what your evidence means. If you are facing a serious criminal charge, a large civil claim, an appeal, or a strict deadline, speak to a lawyer as early as possible, because decisions made at the start can affect the whole proceeding. Through Legal Hotline you can get free legal information any time and, if you want tailored advice, book a fixed-fee consultation with an admitted Australian lawyer.
Where it is
210 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 is the principal court building and Principal Registry. The over-the-counter registry counter operates at 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, and general enquiries are on (03) 8600 2000. Both addresses are in the Melbourne CBD legal precinct, an easy walk from Flagstaff and Melbourne Central stations and well served by city trams; allow extra time to pass through building security.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Trial Division and the Court of Appeal?
The Trial Division is where Supreme Court cases start and are heard for the first time; it is organised into the Criminal Division, the Common Law Division and the Commercial Court. The Court of Appeal is the State's highest appeal court and reviews decisions of the County Court, the Supreme Court Trial Division and, in some cases, the Magistrates' Court and VCAT.
How is the Supreme Court different from the County and Magistrates' Courts?
The Supreme Court sits above both. It has unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction and handles the most serious crimes and the largest or most complex civil disputes, while the County and Magistrates' Courts deal with less serious or lower-value matters. It also has a supervisory and appellate role over those courts.
What kinds of cases does the Commercial Court handle?
The Commercial Court is part of the Trial Division and deals with complex commercial and corporate disputes, including insolvency, corporations, banking and finance, building, intellectual property, taxation and arbitration. It uses intensive judge-led case management to narrow the issues before trial.
How do I start a civil case in the Supreme Court?
A civil proceeding usually begins by filing an originating process (a writ or an originating motion) with the relevant Registry. Most filing is now done electronically through the RedCrest e-filing system, and you must then serve the originating document on the other party. Check the Practice Note for the relevant division first.
What happens at a directions hearing?
A directions hearing is usually the first formal court event in a civil matter. A judge or associate judge makes procedural orders and sets a timetable for steps such as pleadings, discovery, expert evidence and mediation. The Court does not decide who wins at this stage; it manages the case and may fix later dates, including the trial.
Will my case have to go to mediation?
Often, yes. Many civil disputes are referred to mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution before trial, as this can resolve matters faster and at lower cost. The Court actively case-manages proceedings and may direct the parties to attempt to settle before a final hearing.
Can I represent myself at the Supreme Court?
You can, but the Court hears serious and complex matters with strict rules, so it is risky to do so without advice. The Court provides 'Help with court processes' guidance and a Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator to assist with procedure. For advice on the merits and strategy of your case, it is best to speak with an admitted Australian lawyer.
Where do I go to file documents or make enquiries in person?
The principal court building and Principal Registry are at 210 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. The over-the-counter registry counter operates at 450 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. General enquiries can be made on (03) 8600 2000, and many tasks can be done online through RedCrest.