The High Court of Australia
The High Court is the highest court in the Australian judicial
system. It was established in 1901 by Section 71 of the Constitution.
The functions of the High Court are to interpret and apply the law of
Australia; to decide cases of special federal significance including
challenges to the constitutional validity of laws and to hear appeals,
by special leave, from Federal, State and Territory courts.
The seat of the High Court is in Canberra, where it is located in its
own building within the Parliamentary Triangle. The High Court
building houses three courtrooms, Justices' chambers, and the Court's
main registry, library, and corporate services facilities. In addition,
there are offices of the High Court Registry in Sydney and Melbourne,
staffed by officers of the High Court. In Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin
and Perth, registry functions are performed on behalf of the High Court
by officers of the Federal Court of Australia, and in Hobart they are
performed by officers of the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
The High Court building is one of Canberra's major tourist
attractions and is situated in the Parliamentary Zone in Parkes Place
Parkes, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin
between the National Science and Technology Centre
(Questacon) and the National Gallery of Australia. The High
Court-National Gallery precinct was added to the National Heritage List in November 2007. The building is accessible by ACTION buses (routes 2 or 3 weekdays and 934 or 935 on weekends) and is also close to the lakeside cycle path.
The building is a unique structure. Forty
metres tall and constructed mainly of concrete and glass,
it has four main elements: a large public hall, three
courtrooms, an administrative wing, and Justices'
chambers. Public visitors may view:
The building is surrounded by parkland which provides an ideal venue for lunch on fine days. Many school groups bring their lunch and enjoy it on the shores of the lake. The Court cafeteria would be pleased to provide groups with a picnic lunch for a reasonable charge, and may be contacted on (02) 6270 6828.
- the Great Hall, which includes an educational display and video area, and often features exhibitions or performances by cultural organisations;
- the three courtrooms, which are the focus of the building's activities; and
- the licensed cafeteria, where everything from light snacks to formal meals may be enjoyed.
The building is surrounded by parkland which provides an ideal venue for lunch on fine days. Many school groups bring their lunch and enjoy it on the shores of the lake. The Court cafeteria would be pleased to provide groups with a picnic lunch for a reasonable charge, and may be contacted on (02) 6270 6828.
Court Sittings and Building Opening Hours
The calendar of Court sittings is determined by
the Court and is usually published in the
September prior to the start of each year. See the Court Calendar.
Normally, the Court sits in Canberra for two weeks of every month, except for January and July when it is in recess. High Court sittings are open to the public. Normal Court sitting hours are from 10.15 am to 12.45 pm and 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm.
The building is open to the public from 9.45 am to 4.30 pm Monday through Friday, except public holidays, and Sundays from midday to 4.00 pm. Admission to the High Court building is free of charge.
When you visit the High Court we request your cooperation in respecting Court etiquette.
Bookings - Large groups (eg. bus tours, school groups) are asked to book ahead, if possible, by faxing their preferred visiting date to the Court Guide Supervisor on (02) 6270 6346. Individual visitors or small groups need not book.
Normally, the Court sits in Canberra for two weeks of every month, except for January and July when it is in recess. High Court sittings are open to the public. Normal Court sitting hours are from 10.15 am to 12.45 pm and 2.15 pm to 4.15 pm.
The building is open to the public from 9.45 am to 4.30 pm Monday through Friday, except public holidays, and Sundays from midday to 4.00 pm. Admission to the High Court building is free of charge.
When you visit the High Court we request your cooperation in respecting Court etiquette.
Bookings - Large groups (eg. bus tours, school groups) are asked to book ahead, if possible, by faxing their preferred visiting date to the Court Guide Supervisor on (02) 6270 6346. Individual visitors or small groups need not book.
Information and images taken with thanks from www.hcourt.gov.au
