High Court
The highest court in Australia.
What it looks at
- Decides what the means
- Hears the last from other courts
- It chooses which cases it will hear
Which court does what?
Most cases start in the lowest court. If you disagree with the decision, you can often go up. See the whole ladder and tap any court.
Australian courts
Federal courts State courts 1Highest 2 3 4Lowest No federal court at this level
↑ Disagree with a decision? You can often appeal one step up
Tribunals: not courts, but they decide disputes
Tap a court on the ladder to see what it looks at.
Federal Court
Big cases about federal laws.
What it looks at
- Business and shopping law
- Tax
- Problems at work
- Copyright and brand names
Federal Circuit and Family Court
Family cases and many everyday federal cases.
What it looks at
- Divorce, children and property after a break-up
- Some visa decisions
- Some work and bankruptcy cases
Supreme Court
The highest court in each state or territory.
What it looks at
- The most serious crimes, like murder
- Fights about a lot of money
- from lower state courts
District or County Court
Serious crimes. In Victoria it is called the County Court.
What it looks at
- Serious crimes like robbery, often with a
- Not every state or territory has one
Local or Magistrates Court
Most cases start here.
What it looks at
- Small crimes and driving offences
- Fights about smaller amounts of money
- A decides. There is no
Tribunals
Simpler and cheaper than a court. For everyday problems.
What it looks at
- Problems with renting or shopping go to your state . For example NCAT in NSW or VCAT in Victoria
- The Administrative Review Tribunal checks government decisions again, like many visa refusals