Tasmania's courts and tribunals interpret the law, decide who is right or wrong in a dispute, and sentence or impose penalties on people who have broken the law.
The two main courts operating in Tasmania are the Supreme Court and Magistrates Court. There are also specialised courts, such as the Youth Justice Court and the Coroners Court.
Tribunals are usually less formal than courts. They resolve disputes such as
- arguments between neighbours about plants and trees
- planning applications and appeals
- workers compensation claims
- social security disputes