Since the first edition in 1982, this book has become the standard work on the subject. Now fully revised and updated, it provides a succinct guide to, and analysis of, Australian courts and tribunals, their jurisdiction, and their functioning.

• Part one: General Principles


• 1: The Development of Legal Systems


• 2: The Common Law Background


• 3: The Constitutional Background


• 4: Organisation of the Judicial System


• Part Two: Courts of General Jurisdiction


• 5: Criminal Jursidiction in Lower and Intermediate Courts


• 6: Civil Jurisdiction in Lower and Intermediate Courts


• 7: State and Territory Supreme Courts


• 8: Federal Court of Australia


• 9: High Court of Australia


• Part Three: Specialist Courts and Tribunals


• 10: Family and Children's Court


• 11: Industrial Court and Commissions


• 12: Small Claims Courts and Tribunals


• 13: Other Specialist Courts and Tribunals


• Part Four: Prospects for Change


• 14: Reform of Australian Courts

James Crawford held chairs in law at Adelaide and Sydney University before moving to Cambridge University, where he now teaches, writes and practices international law and international arbitration
Brian Opeskin is an Associate Professor of law at Sydney University, where he has taught for many years and is a full-time Commissioner at the Australian Law reform Commission, where he led the inquiry into the Judiciary Act