Which type of court may hear appeals from state supreme courts?

• A. The High Court
• B. Supreme Court (state)
• C. Local Magistrates Court
• D. Family Court

Answer: (A)

Appeals go to courts that sit higher in the judicial hierarchy. In Australia, decisions from a state supreme court can be reviewed only by a higher national court, which is the High Court of Australia. The High Court is the final court of appeal and has the power to hear cases that involve federal questions or constitutional issues, making it the appropriate forum for reviewing state supreme court decisions. The Local Magistrates Court is at the bottom of the hierarchy and cannot hear such appeals. The Family Court handles federal family law matters and does not serve as the appeal court for state supreme court decisions. The state’s own Supreme Court cannot hear an appeal from its own decision; appeals move upward to the High Court if leave is granted.