SACE Stage 1 Legal Studies Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The primary function of the local court is to manage minor civil and criminal matters. Local courts, often referred to as lower or summary courts, are the first level in the court system and are primarily responsible for handling cases that are less complex and of lower severity.

By focusing on minor civil disputes, such as small claims or tenancy issues, and criminal offenses like minor thefts or traffic violations, the local court serves to resolve these matters quickly and efficiently. This allows more serious cases to be escalated to higher courts, which can then concentrate on more complex issues, such as serious felonies or significant civil disputes.

The other options refer to functions that are outside the scope of local courts. For example, appeals are typically addressed by higher courts, while major criminal cases are usually handled by district or supreme courts. Constitutional law matters are generally the realm of higher courts as well, where broader implications and interpretations are involved. Thus, option C accurately captures the essential role of local courts in the judicial system.