Each Australian state has a Supreme Court for serious cases like murder. This is the highest court in each state. The Supreme Court also hears disputes involving large amounts of money.
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. What is the name the court shown in FIGURE4 ? 2. Where is this court located? 3. What type of cases are heard here?
FIGURE4 The Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne. In this court, a judge or jury will decide how to settle a dispute or if someone is guilty or not.
The High Court is at the top of the hierarchy. This is the highest court in Australia. It is a federal court. It hears important appeals and complex legal issues. Topic 14 explains that the High Court can interpret and enforce the Constitution.
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. What is the name of the court shown in FIGURE5 ? 2. Where is it located? 3. What type of cases are heard here?
FIGURE5 The High Court of Australia in Canberra
13.4.3 The courtroom Courtrooms can be tense. Decisions there affect people’s lives. The people who work in courts handle real dramas. The main courtroom ofýcials include a magistrate or judge , jurors , a prosecutor and counsel for the accused . Let’s next look at what might happen during a trial before a court.
TOPIC13 Laws and citizens 489
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