Cases
Commonwealth v Tasmania (1983) — The Tasmanian Dam Case
Introduction Commonwealth v Tasmania (1983) 158 CLR 1 — the Tasmanian Dam Case — is one of the most significant decisions in Australian constitutional law. The High Court upheld the …
Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth (2020) — Aboriginal Australians and the Citizenship Power
Introduction Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth (2020) 270 CLR 152 is a landmark decision of the High Court of Australia concerning the constitutional status of Aboriginal Australians. The …
Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (1992) — Native Title
Introduction Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (1992) 175 CLR 1 is the most significant decision in Australian legal history. The High Court of Australia rejected the doctrine of terra nullius and recognised …
Momcilovic v The Queen (2011) — Human Rights and the Victorian Charter
Introduction Momcilovic v The Queen (2011) 245 CLR 1 is the leading High Court authority on the operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) — Australia’s most …
New South Wales v Commonwealth (2006) — The WorkChoices Case
Introduction New South Wales v Commonwealth (2006) 229 CLR 1 — the WorkChoices Case — is the High Court’s landmark decision on the scope of the corporations power (s 51(xx) of the Constitution). …
Pape v Commissioner of Taxation (2009) — The Tax Bonus Case
Introduction Pape v Commissioner of Taxation (2009) 238 CLR 1 — the Tax Bonus Case — is the High Court’s leading decision on the Commonwealth’s spending power and the constitutional limits …
The Engineers' Case (1920) — Constitutional Interpretation
Introduction Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co Ltd (1920) 28 CLR 129 — the Engineers’ Case — is the foundational Australian constitutional case on the interpretation of …
Williams v Commonwealth (2012) — The School Chaplains Case
Introduction Williams v Commonwealth (2012) 248 CLR 156 — the School Chaplains Case — is the High Court’s most significant decision on the limits of the Commonwealth’s executive spending …