VCE Legal Studies: Legal - General Resources

The High Court of Australia - external site is the highest court and the final court of appeal in Australia. It hears matters involving a dispute about the meaning of the Constitution, as well as final appeals in civil and criminal matters from all courts in Australia.

The Federal Court of Australia- external site hears matters on a range of different subject matter including bankruptcy, corporations, industrial relations, native title, taxation and trade practices laws. It also hears appeals from decisions (except family law decisions) of the Federal Circuit Court.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia- external site (FCFCOA) commenced operation on 1 September 2021.
It compromises 2 divisions:
Division 1 is a continuation of the Family Court of Australia and deals only with family law matters.
Division 2 is a continuation of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and deals with both family law and general law matters. It will hear less complex family law matters and disputes in administrative law, admiralty law, bankruptcy, copyright, human rights, industrial law, migration, privacy and trade practices.