What is the Judiciary and what does it do?

The Judiciary (sometimes called the courts) makes judgements about the law. The Judiciary is made up of the High Court of Australia and other federal courts.

The Australian Constitution divides the power to make and manage laws between 3 largely separate groups. This division is based on the principle of the separation of powers. The 3 groups that share the power to make and manage federal law are the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.

The High Court of Australia during a session, with judges at an elevated curved bench and lawyers seated below.

The High Court of Australia

DPS Auspic

The High Court of Australia

The High Court of Australia during a session, with judges at an elevated curved bench and lawyers seated below.

DPS Auspic

Description

The High Court of Australia in session in the High Court building in Canberra. The High Court interprets and applies Australian law and decides cases about national issues, including challenges related to the Australian Constitution.

In the courtroom, the 7 High Court Justices sit along a large semi-circular desk atop a small raise at the end of the room. The Justices preside over High Court proceedings, interpret laws and decide major legal cases.

In front, facing them, is another curved desk. Here, 18 barristers are sitting, most are wearing robes and wigs. A barrister is a type of lawyer who speaks on behalf of people or organisations in the courtroom. They present arguments and answer questions posed by the Justices.