7. Criminal jurisdiction of District Courts
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 1986.
Subject to this Code, every District Court shall have jurisdiction to try all offences for which the maximum term of imprisonment provided by law does not exceed 10 years or which are punishable with fine only.
fine
“fine” includes any fine, pecuniary penalty or forfeiture or compensation adjudged upon any conviction of any crime or offence or for the breach of any law for the time being in force by any court;
Notwithstanding subsection (1), a District Court may try any offence, other than an offence punishable with death, if —
offence
“offence” means any act or omission made punishable by any law for the time being in force;
the Public Prosecutor applies to such Court to try such offence; and
the accused consents, or, if more than one are charged together with the same offence, all such accused consent to be tried by such Court.
Every District Court shall have in the exercise of its jurisdiction all the powers which belong to and are exercised by a Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate
“Magistrate” means a Magistrate appointed by the Chief Justice under the Subordinate Courts Act;