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This view is taken from the back of
the courtroom Bar area. Looking at the bench, it can be seen that this
courtroom is furnished for a single Justice only. It is in this courtroom
that preliminary hearings such as directions hearings, applications for
various initiating processes, and "in Chambers" matters are
heard.
In front of the bench can be seen the Registrar's desk, and in the foreground of the picture is the Bar table. Notice that there is no lectern in this courtroom. Rather, because of the types of matters heard in this courtroom, provision is made for counsel to address the bench from their place at the Bar table. Panning to the right and upwards you will come across the Australian Coat of Arms. Click on it for a closer look. Further to the right you will see the entrance to the courtroom and the seats of the public gallery. Then, still moving right, you arrive at the southern wall of the courtroom. Below the paintings you will see the court reporting booth and the jury box. As it is possible under the High Court's original jurisdiction to hold a trial, this courtroom is fitted with a jury box, jury retiring room (through a door in the far corner) and a witness stand (just to the right of the jury box). In addition, the bench can accommodate three Justices for such a rare occurrence. On the wall above these furnishings are four paintings of former Chief Justices. Click on each of these in turn for a closer look. |
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