Have you ever wondered if Justice was done? And if so how it was done?

 

You can see our justice system in action at the High Court in Canberra. Located near to Parliament House it is situated on 3.4 hectares of land on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin between the National Science and Technology Centre and the National Gallery of Australia.

 

The 40-metre tall building was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 26 May 1980. The main entrance is approached via a long, paved ceremonial ramp and a waterfall runs down one side of the ramp. The building houses a large public hall, 3 courtrooms, Justices chambers, library and the courts registry,

 

The role of the High Court is to interpret and apply the law of Australia, to decide cases of federal significance and to hear appeals from Federal, State and Territory courts especially those which may challenge the constitutional validity of laws.

 

The calendar of High Court sitting is set months in advance and usually published in September/October for the forthcoming year and the Court sits for 2 weeks of each month except January and July when there are no sittings.  High court sittings are open to the public but it is advisable to check times. Visitors may attend Monday to Friday 9.45 to 4.30 pm (except Public Holidays) and there are members of the High Court staff available to answer questions. There is also an education link with video facilities and entry is free.  School groups and others can bring their lunch or buy from the on site cafeteria.

 

The High Court was founded in 1901 but the first bench was not appointed until after the Judiciary Act was passed in 1903. Sir Edmund Barton, our first Prime Minister, was one of the members along with Sir Samuel Griffin former Chief Justice of Queensland and Richard O’Connor a former Minister of Justice and Solicitor General for NSW. These men stamped their authority and that of the Court over the State Supreme Courts and established that it was a necessary and significant arm of the newly created Commonwealth of Australia.

 

There have been many changes since Federation such as the High Court of Australia Act which was proclaimed in April 1980 and prescribes the method of appointment of the Justices (they no longer have life tenure) as well as the appointments and functions of court officers.  Methods of funding and financial control as well as reporting and accountability are also covered by this act.

 

The High Court is an interesting place to visit for an hour to see the building or the whole day to sit in on a session and see our Justice system at work.