What is the role of the High Court in interpreting the Constitution?

The main job of the High Court of Australia is to interpret the Australian Constitution and to settle disputes about its meaning. The High Court has the power to consider federal – national – laws and decide whether the Constitution gives the Australian Parliament the power to make that law. The High Court can invalidate – cancel – any law or a part of a law it finds to be unconstitutional.

The Australian High Court in session with judges sitting at a long table and lawyers sitting at another table facing them.

The High Court of Australia.

DPS Auspic

The High Court of Australia.

The Australian High Court in session with judges sitting at a long table and lawyers sitting at another table facing them.

DPS Auspic

Description

The image shows 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.