Australian Legal System
Australia's federal system of government was established in the 1901 Constitution, and the country is currently composed of 6 states and 3 territories.
The Law Library holds some Australian treatises (Basement, KU), journals, and primary materials (Sub-basement range 24-25) in print and/or electronically.
- Hein OnlineIncludes several Australian journals and law reviews.
Judicial
The highest court in Australia is the High Court, and there are lower courts in both the federal and state systems.
The Law Library no longer collects Australian law reporters in print, but older volumes are available in the sub-basement range 24 - 25.
- High Court of AustraliaInformation about the court and cases.
- Australasian Legal Information Institute : AustLIIFederal and state case law, journals, and legislation.
- BarNet JadeAustralian case law.
- Lexis+Law students & faculty only.
Select 'Australia' under the 'International' tab to access Australian federal and state cases. - Westlaw EdgeLaw students & faculty only.
Browse 'International Materials', and choose 'Australia' to see Australian federal cases.
Legislative
Australia has a bicameral Parliament composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Most states have similar Parliamentary bodies.
- Federal Register of Legislation : Australian GovernmentThe authorized website for Australian federal legislation and related documents.
- Parliament of Australia (Government of Australia)Information about Parliament, text of bills, and debates.
The Constitution of a Federal Commonwealth by Call Number: JQ4020 .S8 A7 2009ISBN: 0521716896Publication Date: 2009Shows how the Constitutional framers wrestled with the problem of integrating federal ideas with inherited British traditions.
