Community courts aim to help defendants to solve the problems underlying their criminal behaviour, and can involve them undertaking community work as reparation. They also look to involve the local community in the system, and to reduce the fear of crime.
The National Crime Council suggests they could function as follows:
Person arrested or summonsed, and the defendant processed and charged. At this stage, the defendant may be advised by a lawyer and listed for the community court.
Next, a pre-court assessment is undertaken, and the defendant is advised by a lawyer. Prosecution and defence lawyers then consider details of the case, followed by a community court hearing.
Any "not guilty" pleas are transferred to the District Court. But where a "guilty" plea is lodged, a preliminary court order is made. The defendant immediately accesses social/other services and/or commences community work.
This is followed by post court order monitoring to ensure compliance, and finally the disposal of the case with no criminal record for the offender.