The Federal Court of Australia
is an Australian
superior court of record which has jurisdiction to deal with most civil disputes governed by federal law (with the exception of family law matters), along with some summary criminal matters. Cases are heard at first instance by single Judges. The Court includes an appeal division referred to as the Full Court
comprising three Judges, the only avenue of appeal from which lies to the High Court of Australia
. In the Australian court hierarchy
, the Federal Court occupies a position equivalent to the Supreme Courts of each of the states and territories. In relation to the other Courts in the federal stream, it is equal to the Family Court of Australia
, and superior to the Federal Magistrates' Court
. It was established in 1976 by the Federal Court of Australia Act.
The Chief Justice of the Federal Court is Patrick Keane
The Federal Court has no inherent jurisdiction other than that provided by statute. The Court's original jurisdiction include matters arising from Commonwealth legislation such as, for example, matters relating to trade practices, native title, intellectual property, industrial relations, corporations, and bankruptcy.
The Federal Court of Australia also has appellate jurisdiction
from the Federal Magistrates Court
on all matters, with the exception of family law
, where the Family Court of Australia
has appellate jurisdiction. The Court also exercises general appellate... Read More