In addition to judges, other judicial officers have jurisdiction to hear cases in the District Court. These include Family Court Associates, Community Magistrates, Justices of the Peace and Registrars.

Family Court Associates

Family Court Associates do a lot of work in the early stages of proceedings but the range of work they do is wide. They use their skill and knowledge to identify and understand the dynamics of a case and help triage it towards the most effective pathway. Read more here.

Community Magistrates

Community Magistrates are an important component of the District Court Judiciary. They are part-time judicial officers and preside over a wide range of less serious cases in the District Court’s criminal jurisdiction. They sit in most courts nationally. In 2025 the government announced an expanded jurisdiction for Community Magistrates.(external link)

Community Magistrates (as at 14 May 2026)

Justices of the Peace

Approximately 190 Judicial Justices of the Peace hear minor cases in the District Court. They may impose fines and some driving penalties (such as a licence disqualification). Justices of the Peace may also preside over some preliminary hearings, bail applications and requests for remands and adjournments.

Find out more about Justices of the Peace(external link)

Registrars

Every District Court Registry has a Registrar. Many courts will also have several Deputy Registrars. These Registrars perform a wide range of administrative functions, and many also perform some judicial functions.

Referees

Disputes in the Disputes Tribunal are heard by Referees. Referees are appointed on the basis of their personal qualities, knowledge and experience. The Principal Disputes Tribunal Referee is Janet Robertshawe. 

Find out more about Referees(external link)