The Federal Court of Australia is part of a democratic system of government that has its foundations in the Australian Constitution - the document that helped bring the nation into existence in 1901. But just how does it work? This DVD attempts to explain - in simple terms - the difference between the three arms of government and how the courts operate at both a state and federal level.

Duration: 7 minutes
Date produced: 2005

This DVD explains how a case travels through the Federal Court from the moment it is filed until the time it is finalised. It covers the progress of an application from filing to preparation for hearing, the actual hearing, and how the matter is concluded.

The court’s key focus is to resolve disputes through effective and timely case management.  It aims to deliver most judgments within three months of the conclusion of the hearing depending on complexity of the case and the pressure of other business.

Duration:10 minutes
Date produced: 2007

This DVD explains the nature of judicial independence, what judges do, the impact of their decisions, public confidence in the judiciary and what would happen if Australia did not have judicial independence at the heart of its democracy.

Duration: 17 minutes
Date produced: 2007