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Magistrates' Courts hear a wide range of both summary and indictable offences. The more serious indictable offences are referred to either the District Court or the Court of First Instance of the High Court.

The maximum sentence a magistrate can impose is 2 years' imprisonment and a fine of $100,000. However the court may impose sentences of up to 3 years' imprisonment where there are two or more indictable offences being dealt with at the same time.

Minor offences such as hawking, traffic contraventions and littering are heard in the Magistrates' Courts by Special Magistrates. Special Magistrates cannot impose a prison sentence and the maximum fine is $50,000.

The Magistrates’ Courts do not deal with civil cases.

Chapter 227 MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE
See: http://www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm