High Court of Australia

Role and Functions of the High Court

The Australian Constitution establishes an integrated system of Australian courts. The High Court is located at the apex of that system as the nation’s ultimate court of appeal. The High Court also has original jurisdiction in categories of matters of national significance, including those arising under the Australian Constitution or involving its interpretation and those in which specified remedies are sought against an officer of the Commonwealth.

Announcement

High Court Registry closure

The High Court Registry will be closed from 4.00pm on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 and will re-open at 9:00am on Friday, 2 January 2026.

10 December, 2025

Justices

There have been 13 Chief Justices and 42 Justices since the Court was established in 1903, including the current members of the Court. Three members of the Court – Sir Isaac Isaacs, Sir Ninian Stephen and Sir William Deane – resigned from the Court to become Governor-General.

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Visiting the High Court

The High Court building is one the most significant buildings in Canberra, attracting a large number of visitors. It is situated within the Parliamentary Zone on Parkes Place Parkes, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. It is located between the National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) and the National Gallery of Australia.

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Architecture, Art & Heritage of the High Court

The High Court of Australia is the symbolic focus of justice in Australia and has been the setting for memorable landmark legal cases.

The High Court of Australia is included in the National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists for its outstanding heritage value to the nation and for its significant architecture design.

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Click here for After hours registry contact details

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