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Neighbourhood Justice Centre Court

A range of civil and criminal cases arising in the City of Yarra are heard in the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC) Court including:

• the Magistrates’ Court which includes the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal and a Crimes Family Violence List
• the Children’s Court Criminal Division
• some Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal matters, such as civil claims, guardianship and administrative and residential tenancies.

The NJC magistrate hears criminal matters where the defendant lives in the City of Yarra. Civil matters are heard in a range of circumstances, including where the subject matter arose in the City of Yarra.

Legislation

The NJC Court is established by the Courts Legislation (Neighbourhood Justice Centre) Act 2006 which was passed in August 2006. The Act establishes the court’s sentencing procedures and reinforces the court’s commitment to therapeutic and restorative justice approaches.

Role of the magistrate

The NJC has one principal magistrate – Magistrate David Fanning –  who presides over all cases at the NJC. This enables a comprehensive resolution to legal problems for the benefit of the individual affected and the wider community. Magistrate Fanning meets regularly with the community to assist in ensuring he is aware of the priority crime and safety and legal issues in the City of Yarra.