Victim Support Service - Courts
Mental Health Court
If you or a family member have been a victim of serious violence and the person charged has a mental illness or intellectual disability, they can be referred to the Mental Health Court. Queensland has one Mental Health Court located in Brisbane, which is made up of a Supreme Court Judge and two assisting psychiatrists.
The Mental Health Court determines whether a person charged was of unsound mind at the time of the offence or is now temporarily or permanently unfit for trial. This is a specialist court in Queensland and QHVSS is able to help you understand the court process and decisions in your case.
For more information about Mental Health Court: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/444961/mental-health-court-fact.pdf
Magistrates Court
Magistrates in Queensland can decide on the balance of probability that a person charged can receive a mental health defence. If you or a member of your family have been a victim of crime and the person charged receives a mental health defence in the Magistrates Court, QHVSS can help you to understand the court process and how you can be supported.
For more information about Magistrate Court: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/444937/magistrates-court-fact.pdf
