What is the High Court of Australia?
The High Court of Australia is the country's highest court, interpreting the Constitution and hearing final appeals. Its building in Canberra, by Lake Burley Griffin, opened in 1980.
The High Court was established in 1903 under the Constitution. Its first three justices were Samuel Griffith, Edmund Barton and Richard O'Connor. Today the court has seven justices, led by the Chief Justice.
The court decides constitutional disputes between governments, hears appeals from state and federal courts, and makes rulings that shape Australian law.
Landmark decisions
Famous decisions include the 1983 Tasmanian Dam case, which allowed the federal government to stop the Franklin Dam, and the 1992 Mabo decision, which recognised native title.
The building, designed by Edwards Madigan Torzillo and Briggs, features a soaring glass public hall and three courtrooms. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980.
Before moving to Canberra, the High Court sat mainly in Melbourne and Sydney, and it still travels to other capital cities to hear cases. Its decisions are published and closely followed by lawyers, politicians and journalists.
The court's concrete and glass building has been nicknamed Gar's Mahal, after Chief Justice Sir Garfield Barwick, who championed its construction.
Did You Know?
Visitors can watch hearings in the High Court and explore its public hall for free.