Australian Court Hierarchy

Overview

• The hierarchy of courts in Australia consists of several levels:
  • High Court of Australia
  • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
  • Federal Courts and State/Territory Courts
  • Supreme Courts
  • Intermediate Courts (County/District Courts)
  • Lower Courts (Local/Magistrates Courts)
  • Specialist Courts (e.g., Coroners Court, Childrens Court, Youth Justice Court, Wardens Court, Drug Court)

High Court of Australia

• Apex of the appellate system.
• All decisions are final and binding across Australia.
• Maintains the rule of law as a Constitutional Court and a Court of final appeal.
• Independence is crucial for fulfilling its role.
  • Quote: Murray Gleeson, 11th Chief Justice of Australia.

Appellate System

• The ability to appeal ensures just outcomes and fair application of law.

Federal and State/Territory Courts

• Federal Court of Australia: Deals with federal matters.
• State/Territory Courts include Supreme, Intermediate, and Lower Courts.

Court Jurisdictions

• Jurisdictions vary across states and territories.
• Courts apply laws created by Judges (Common Law, Precedent) and Parliament (Statutory Law).

Specialist Courts

• Vary between each state and territory.
• Examples include Childrens Court, Youth Justice Court, Wardens Court, Drug Court.

Notes

• No intermediate courts exist in the Australian Capital Territory or Northern Territory.