The High Court of is the highest court in the Australian judicial system The functions of the High Court are to interpret and uphold the constitution; to interpret Federal law, and to hear cases referred from other courts.

The first sitting of the High Court took place in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court Building in Melbourne, on 6 October 1903. Separate Courtroom and Registry facilities were provided in Sydney where the court sat from 1973, and in May 1980 the Court and its Principal Registry were permanently transferred to Canberra.

The High Court building is one of Canberra's major national attractions. A forty storey building made primarily of concrete and glass, the Court House has a large public Hall, three court rooms an administrative wing and an area provided for the Justices. The building has a number of magnificent architectural features, including a 24 metre high ceiling, marble floors and detailed panels and fittings.

The Court House features a number of displays relating to the history and operation of the Court, and several major works of art have been included as part of the design. Two outstanding design features are the murals titled 'Constitutional Wall', dealing with images relating to the formation of the constitution, and 'States Wall', based on imagery relating to each state.

High Court sittings are open to public inspection. Portraits of the Chief of Justices, and Justices that have sat in the High Court since its inception are on display, and there are a number of commemorative plaques throughout the building, including one which celebrates the official opening of the building on 26 May 1990 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes