There are five distinct courts that fall under the umbrella of Provincial Court. Adult Criminal Court hears matters involving all summary conviction offences under federal and provincial statutes, those involving indictable offences, except where excluded under the Criminal Code of Canada (i.e. murder), and preliminary inquiries related to all indictable offences. Youth Court deals with all criminal cases involving youth. Traffic Court hears all matters related to the Highway Traffic Act and is responsible for processing summary offence tickets, including contraventions tickets. Family Court has jurisdiction over custody, support maintenance, child welfare, paternity, and adoption. Small Claims Court hears most civil claims up to $25,000.00.
In addition, the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has three specialized therapeutic criminal courts. Drug Treatment Court and Mental Health Court operate in St. John’s. The Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Court operates in Stephenville, Grand Falls – Windsor and St. John’s.