Which term describes the highest authority in the Australian judiciary?

• A. High Court
• B. Supreme Court
• C. Federal Court
• D. Court of Appeal

Answer: (A)

The highest authority in the Australian judiciary is the High Court. It acts as the final court of appeal for all Australian courts and serves as the guardian of the Constitution, so its decisions are binding on every other court in the country. The High Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and settle disputes between the Commonwealth and the states, or between states and individuals. Other courts have important roles within their jurisdictions—state or territory Supreme Courts are the top courts in their own jurisdictions, the Federal Court handles federal matters, and the Court of Appeal is an intermediate appellate level—but none sit above the High Court in terms of final authority.