Information provided to assist practitioners and litigants in preparing a High Court Application including how to lodge documents and prescribed forms.
Forms
Information Sheets
How to commence a civil special leave application if you are representing yourself
How to commence a criminal special leave application if you are representing yourself
Special Leave Process
Information on procedures for Special leave applications after filing
Information on the grant of Special leave or referral to an enlarged bench
Information on preparing appeal and other books for matters to be heard by the Full Court
Information on procedures for Removal applications after filing
Information about writs of summons
Information about applications for constitutional or other writs
DLS - Frequently asked questions (May 2020)
DLS Portal Overview
How to register for a DLS Portal User Account
How to reset a password on a DLS Portal User Account
How to grant access to a case in DLS
How to apply for special leave to appeal in DLS
How to join a case (file an appearance) in DLS
How to lodge a document on a filed matter in DLS
How to lodge an amended initiating document in DLS
How to download an invoice in DLS
How to inspect a file or obtain copies of a document in DLS
General
Fees
Schedule of filing and hearing fees updated 1 July 2025
Schedule of fees for registry services updated 1 July 2025
Party category information
Information on how to review a refusal of an application for financial hardship
EFT Payment information for fees and charges (April 23)
Application for refund of fees
How to apply for a fee exemption in DLS
EFT Payment information for Practitioners Certificates (April 23)
Procedures for cases and hearings
Practitioners' Robing Protocol (November 2021)
Video Conference Hearings Protocol (2021)
Information on how to access the Canberra Building for practitioners
Information on appearing before the Full Court
Information on appearing in a Special leave or Removal application
How to address a High Court Justice
How to address a high court justice.pdf
(97.62 KB)
Pro Bono assistance and appointing amicus curiae protocol
HCA Rules and Practice Directions
Practice Direction No. 2 of 2024 - Joint Book of Authorities Appeals and Other Full Court Matters
Practice Direction No. 1 of 2024 - High Court Rules 2004 Approved Forms
Practice Direction No. 1 of 2021 - Opening of the Registry
Practice Direction No. 3 of 2020 - Evidence by Affidavit
Practice Direction No. 1 of 2020 - Electronic filing of documents - cases commenced before 1 January 2020
Practice Direction No. 1 of 2016 - Suppression orders
Practice Direction No. 2 of 2010 - Use of initials or pseudonyms in applications
Practice Direction No. 1 of 2010 - Revocation of existing Practice Directions