Special leave process
The Court revised the process for the consideration of applications for special leave to appeal, applications for leave and applications for removal in November 2023. The Court also changed the timing and manner of publication of its decisions in relation to these applications. More information is available here: Special Leave Process
Information Sheets on procedures for cases and hearings
Information on party categories and the applicable fees (PDF 37k) (DOCX 46k)
Information on how to review a refusal of financial hardship waiver (PDF 33k)
Information on procedures for Special leave applications after filing (PDF 30k)
Information on procedures for Removal applications after filing (PDF 27K)
Information on procedures for Constitutional Writs after filing (PDF 19k) (DOCX 21k)
Information on preparing appeal and other books for matters to be heard by the Full Court (PDF 45k) (DOCX 48k)
Information on appearing in a Special leave or Removal application (PDF 25k)
Information on appearing before the Full Court (PDF 23k) (DOCX 57)
Information on how to access the Canberra Building for practitioners (PDF 72k)
Information on the grant of Special leave or referral to an enlarged bench (PDF 35k)
Commencing a new matter
Please check the fees page for the fee schedule. Filing fees are due to increase on 1 July 2024, the fee schedules are available on the fees page.
How to commence a civil special leave application if you are representing yourself (PDF 23k)
How to commence a criminal special leave application if you are representing yourself (PDF 23k)
Information about applications for constitutional or other writs (PDF 17k)
Information about writs of summons (PDF 29k)
Information sheets on how to use DLS
Frequently asked questions (last updated May 2020) (PDF 75k) (RTF 5Mb)
How to register for a DLS Portal User Account (PDF 575k)
How to reset a password on a DLS Portal User Account (PDF 300k)
How to apply for special leave to appeal (PDF 833k)
How to apply for a fee waiver (PDF 154k)
How to download an invoice (PDF 204k)
How to join a case (file an appearance) (PDF 613k)
How to grant access to a case (PDF 114k)
How to lodge an amended initiating document (PDF 70k)
How to lodge a document on a filed matter (PDF 99k)
How to inspect a file or obtain copies of a document (PDF 395k) Please note that search fees will go up on 1 July 2024. The fee schedules are available on the fees page.
On-line registration
Register with a simple 3 step process of email verification, registration and approval by the Registry dls.hcourt.gov.au
Public access
Members of the public will also benefit from electronic access to information about cases filed and, upon payment of the prescribed fees, will be able to obtain copies of documents available for inspection.
How to inspect a file or obtain copies of a document (PDF 395k) Please note that search fees will go up on 1 July 2024. The fee schedules are available on the fees page.