Oxford LibGuides: Australian law: Court Structure

Related Commentary

The Australian Judiciary by Enid Campbell; H. P. Lee
Call Number: KL240.A8.LEE 2013
ISBN: 9780521769167
Publication Date: 2nd edn, 2012
Holders of an Oxford SSO can read this online via title link

At the top level of the Australian judicial system is the High Court which interprets the Constitution and acts as final court of appeal.
The Federal Court has jurisdiction in national areas of activity, and hears cases brought under Commonwealth law. It also hears appeals from the Federal Magistrates Court
Each State and Territory has a Supreme Court. They also have Magistrates' Courts as entry level courts, and County or District courts at the intermediary level

The Courts: an overview of the Australian judicial system
Free resource. Shows the court hierarchy across federal and state jurisdictions. Click on small image. Current at 01/01/2014
High Court of Australia
Official website. Good background information.Links through to AustLII for database of judgments 1903 -.
Federal Court of Australia
Official website Good background information. Links through to AustLII for database of judgments either Federal Court of Australia 1977- or Federal Court of Australia - Full Court 2002-
Family Court of Australia
Official website Includes overview of family law in Australia. Links through to AustLII
Federal Circuit Court of Australia
Official website. Formerly known as Federal Magistrates Court of Australia. Links through to Federal Search for caselaw.
Australasian Legal Information Institute aka AustLII
Free resource. Australian databases include decisions from courts and tribunals, consolidated acts, bills etc
Opinions on High
Free resource. Melbourne Law School’s academic blog covering the High Court of Australia. The Blog launched July 2013 with posts on "the most important 2013 cases to date, as well as other interesting Features on the High Court. One exciting post remembers the Tasmanian Dams case, with audio and transcript interviews with Sir Anthony Mason, the Hon Michael Black and Bob Brown."