The information provided in these pages is to assist you in preparing your application. The information provided here is not a substitute for legal advice. The content of this website is intended for informational purposes only and the court is not providing legal advice by or through the availability of this information.
Links to the High Court Rules and Amendments are available at Filing documents.
Should you have any questions you should contact an Office of the Registry. A complete list of the offices and their locations is available at the Offices of the Registry page.
There are some frequently used forms available to download. The forms are available at Forms 2020.
Information regarding fees payable in the High Court of Australia is available at Fees. High Court fees increase on 1 July 2022 - the information sheets on this page contain the current fees.
Digital Lodgment System Portal
In 2020 the High Court of Australia moved from a paper-based Court to one that provides for the electronic lodgment of Court documents.
The Digital Lodgment System Portal (DLS Portal) is an external facing portal that allows legal firms, legal practitioners and self-represented litigants to register, file documents, receive notifications and track the progress of their cases around the clock.
The system provides for mandatory electronic lodgment of all documents filed in any case commenced after 1 January 2020. Register with a simple 3 step process of email verification, registration and approval by the Registry dls.hcourt.gov.au.
HCA Video Connection Hearings - PROTOCOL
- Protocol for HCA Video Connection Hearings (PDF 34k) (RTF 124k)
General information sheets
High Court fees increased on 1 July 2021 - the information sheets on this page contain the current fees.
- How to commence a civil special leave application if you are representing yourself (PDF 24k) (DOCX 23k)
- How to commence a criminal special leave application if you are representing yourself (PDF 22k) (DOCX 21k)
- Information about applications for constitutional or other writs (PDF 18k) (DOCX 24k)
- Information about writs of summons (PDF 29k) (DOCX 45k)