In its criminal jurisdiction, the court may try more serious cases, with the exception of murder, manslaughter and rape. The maximum term of imprisonment it may impose is seven years. The Family Court , which is part of the District Court, deals with family-related matters such as divorce and adoption. There are a Chief District Judge and thirty-three District Judges. Four District Judges sit in the Family Court.
Magistrates exercise criminal jurisdiction over a wide range of offences.
All indictable offences originate in a Magistracy but the Secretary for Justice may apply to have a case transferred to the District Court or committed to the Court of First Instance of the High Court depending on the seriousness of the case. Appeals from the Magistrate's Court are heard by a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. There are a Chief Magistrate, ten Principal Magistrates and fifty-one Magistrates at present. Cases of a more routine and minor nature, such as hawking and traffic cases, are dealt with by special magistrates. The Juvenile Court also has power to deal with care and protection cases involving young people aged up to 18.