Crimes Act 1961, s 223; Criminal Procedure Act 2011, ss 6, 72, 73
If the value of the goods you’re accused of shoplifting is under $1,000, you’ll be dealt with by a District Court Judge.
If they’re worth more than $1,000 (a medium to high-end laptop for example), and you plead not guilty, you’ll have the option of a jury trial in the District Court or before a District Court judge. You’ll also have the option of a jury trial if the police charge you with burglary because you were trespassing in the store at the time.