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Policy on requests for access to court data or information for the purposes of research

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Purpose:

This policy sets out how the Federal Court ordinarily deals with requests for access to court data or information for the purposes of research.

Requests can be divided into two broad categories.

1) Statistical information readily generated by the Court’s case management system.
2) More detailed research requiring access to Court data, files or other records either within a single registry or, across multiple registries. These research projects might also include requests to interview Judges, parties or lawyers.

Application:

This policy applies primarily to requests that fall into category 2 above. Routine requests for readily available statistical information should be made to your local registry (for State/Territory specific data) or the Manager of Policy and Planning (for national data) or, in the case of media enquiries, the Court’s Director of Public Information (03) 8600 3270.

Assistance provided:

Where it has the resources to do so, the Court will ordinarily assist with the following types of research requests:

• Requests from government agencies associated with legal services and policy development.
  
• Academic research projects that are sponsored and supervised by recognised tertiary institutions.
  

Depending on the nature of the research request and the extent of any costs to the Court it may, in appropriate circumstances, be necessary for the Court to recoup its costs.

The Court would not, ordinarily, provide assistance with research requests from private individuals or organisations unless it can be demonstrated that the research is of benefit to the Court or its users and is not of a commercial nature.

As a general principle, while a matter is pending before a judge, only that judge can approve access to the Court file or relevant records. Access to closed files can be granted by the Chief Justice or any other judge or registrar nominated by the Chief Justice.

Privacy:

The Court respects the privacy of people connected to court proceedings. It will generally not release personal information unless that information is given in evidence in court proceedings.

Permission for publication or further release of data:

If the Court provides statistical data, other documents or information it must not be published or released without the prior and express permission from the Court.

How to make a request:

All research requests, other than media requests, should be addressed to:

Manager, Policy and Planning
Federal Court of Australia
Level 16
Law Courts Building
Queens Square
Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9230 8720
Email: query@fedcourt.gov.au

Media requests should be made directly to the Court’s Director of Public Information on (03) 8600 3270.

Date policy issued: July 2010

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