What criminal cases does the Supreme Court of Victoria hear?
The Supreme Court is Victoria’s highest court. Its Trial Division hears the most serious criminal trials, such as murder, and bail applications for charges the Magistrates’ Court cannot grant bail on. The Court of Appeal hears appeals against conviction and sentence from the County and Supreme Courts.
The Supreme Court is Victoria’s highest court. In criminal law, its Trial Division hears the gravest charges and many bail applications, and its Court of Appeal hears criminal appeals.
Address and getting there
- Main building: 210 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:00pm
- Registry counter: 450 Little Bourke Street, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
- Other buildings: hearings are held in several CBD locations, so check your court documents for where you need to be.
- Getting there: Flagstaff Station and the William Street trams are a short walk away. Parking is in nearby multi-storey car parks.
- Accessibility: wheelchair users, or anyone who cannot use stairs, can enter through the laneway gate on Lonsdale Street.
What the Supreme Court hears
- Trials: treason, murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and other major criminal matters, before a judge and jury.
- Bail: the Criminal Division hears bail applications, including variations, revocations and appeals against bail decisions. See Bail applications.
- Court of Appeal: hears appeals from the County Court and the Trial Division. It decides whether a trial was run properly and whether the law was applied correctly, and can order a retrial, change a sentence or confirm the decision. Leave (permission) to appeal is usually needed first.
- Appeals on a question of law from the Magistrates’ Court: the notice of appeal must be filed within 28 days. Choosing this path gives up the right to appeal to the County Court for that proceeding.
How a case gets to the Supreme Court
Like almost every criminal case, a murder or other major charge starts in the Magistrates’ Court. After the committal stage (which changed for cases with a filing hearing on or after 28 December 2025 under the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Act 2025), the case is committed to the Supreme Court for trial or plea. Some charges, such as murder, can only be tried in the Supreme Court. For other serious charges, the case may go to either the County Court or the Supreme Court, and your lawyer will tell you which court is dealing with it.
On the day
- Arrive early. Everyone is screened on entry, and queues are common first thing in the morning and after lunch.
- Security. Leave knives, scissors, sharp items and glass containers at home. Prohibited items are taken from you.
- Find your courtroom. Your lawyer will confirm the building and courtroom. Higher court cases can be listed in more than one building in the CBD.
- Expect a long day. Trials and pleas can run for hours or days, so plan for transport, meals and any carer arrangements.
- In the courtroom. Turn your phone off, remove hats and sunglasses, and address the judge as “Your Honour”.
- Photos. You generally cannot take photos in the court buildings or grounds without permission.
What to bring
- Your charge sheet or summons, and the court notice showing the date and time
- Any police documents you were given, such as the summary or brief of evidence
- Photo identification
- Character references and any reports (for example medical or counselling reports), if you are pleading guilty
- Your lawyer’s contact details, and something to pass the time
Interpreters
If you need an interpreter, tell your lawyer as early as possible, so that one is booked for every hearing and not just the trial. Tell us whether you need Mandarin, Cantonese or another language. We can advise and take instructions in English or Mandarin.
Help with a matter at the Supreme Court
Chua Tan Associates has practised in Melbourne since 1990. Our principal, Justin Chua, appears as a solicitor advocate and advises in English and Mandarin, and we act in courts across Victoria.
Send us your charge sheet and court notice through our enquiry form for a confidential review, or book a consultation. See also all court guides and Your First Court Date.
This page is general information about Victorian law, current at the time of writing. It is not legal advice about your situation. Laws and police practices change, so speak with a lawyer about your own matter.