What is the nature of the judicial power in s71 of the Constitution?

Chapter 3 of the Australian Constitution gives federal judicial power to the High Court of Australia and other federal courts. The High Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and is the final court of appeal for all court cases. All the areas in which the High Court and other federal courts have jurisdiction are listed in sections 75 and 76.

The Australian High Court in session. Judges wearing black robes sit at a long table. They are facing lawyers sitting at another table. The lawyers wear old-fashioned wigs.

The High Court of Australia.

DPS Auspic

The High Court of Australia.

The Australian High Court in session. Judges wearing black robes sit at a long table. They are facing lawyers sitting at another table. The lawyers wear old-fashioned wigs.

DPS Auspic

Description

A large semi circular desk atop a small raise at the end of the room. Seven figures in black (High Court judges) with papers in front of them sit at this long desk. In front of them on the floor is an opposite curved desk with many figures in black with many papers in front of them. Smaller desks sit in rows behind.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.