The High Court of Australia is the supreme court in the Australian court hierarchy and the final court of appeal in Australia. It has both original and appellate jurisdiction, has the power of judicial review over laws passed by the Parliament of Australia and the parliaments of the States, and interprets the Constitution of Australia.
The High Court is mandated by Constitution section 71, which vests in it the judicial power of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Court was constituted by, and its first members were appointed under, the Judiciary Act 1903. It now operates under Constitution sections 71 to 75, the Judiciary Act and the High Court of Australia Act 1979. It is composed of seven Justices: the Chief Justice of Australia, currently Robert French, and six other Justices. They are appointed by the Governor-General of Australia, on the advice of the federal government, and must retire at age 70.
The High Court has been located since 1980 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The majority of its sittings are held there—in the High Court building, situated in the Parliamentary Triangle and overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. Sittings are also held in the State capitals, mostly in Melbourne, Victoria or Sydney, New South Wales, and increasing use is made of video links.
Read more about High Court Of Australia: Role of The Court, History, Building, Jurisprudence, Composition of The Court
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