About Us
About us
The Courts and Tribunal Services (CaTS) division of the Department provides administrative and corporate support to 14 state courts and tribunals.
The justice precinct at Parramatta.
Court and tribunal sittings are conducted at 164 locations throughout NSW.
At many court sites, innovative technology is used so people can participate through videoconferencing and witnesses can give evidence from remote locations without having to attend court.
The NSW courts are among the most efficient in Australia in terms of timeliness, disposal of matters and cost.
Alternative dispute resolution has become an integral part of the justice sector, providing a supportive approach for parties to develop their own resolutions to legal problems. This can often reduce the cost and anxiety of attending courts.
Courts are increasingly utilising a variety of diversion programs that were developed to provide support and assistance to people to address the underlying causes that have led to criminal offending.
The Office of the Sheriff provides security for NSW courts and tribunals and administers the jury system, with around 200,000 NSW citizens being contacted about jury service every year. The Sheriff also has an enforcement function for some civil debts and fines.
Reporting Services provide transcription services to NSW courts and tribunals.
Many regional courts are heritage listed and are an important reminder of our state’s history.
Courts are opened to the community during the annual Law Week each year, providing an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the court architecture of the colonial and Federation eras.
Service commitments
Find out about our service commitments in the Client Service Charter.
Quick links to:
Office of the Sheriff NSW
The Office of the Sheriff administers jury service, ensures court security and enforces some court orders.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Directorate
Find out how the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directorate develops ADR policies for the state.