List of High Court of Australia cases

This page contains a list of notable cases decided by the High Court of Australia.

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Citation numbers for the decisions are as tracked by LawCite, a citation tracker managed by the Free Access to Law Movement.[1]

LawCite

Rank[1][2]

 Case Name Decision Date Case citation (CLR & HCA only) Chief Justice # LawCite

citations[1]

 Area(s) of Law Notable holdings
1. Chan Yee Kin v Minister for Immigration & Ethnic Affairs 9 Dec 1989 169 CLR 379; [1989] HCA 62 Mason 33574 Refugee Under the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Status of Refugees protocol, a finding that a person has a 'well founded fear' of persecution; is satisfied by there being a 'real chance' the relevant harm will occur.[3]
2. MIEA v Guo 1997 191 CLR 559; [1997] HCA 22 Brennan 14450 Refugee Sets out 'what is required for a decision-maker to have a "rational basis" for determining whether an applicant for refugee status has a well founded fear of persecution'. Comments upon the Chan 'real chance' test.
3. Chen Shi Hai v MIMA 2000 201 CLR 293; [2000] HCA 19 Gleeson 10723 Refugee When laws of general application may be relevant to protection claims.
4. MIMA v Haji Ibrahim 2000 204 CLR 1; [2000] HCA 55 Gleeson 10053 Refugee/Migration The Convention definition of ‘refugee’ does not encompass those fleeing generalised violence, internal turmoil, or civil war
5. House v R 1936 55 CLR 499; [1936] HCA 40 Latham 9840 Criminal

Administrative

 Set out the five grounds by which an exercise of discretion can be appealed. (1) Misapplication of law, (2) Applied irrelevant facts, (3) Mistook the facts, (4) Overlooked a material consideration, (5) Outcome of discretion was manifestly unreasonable, or plainly unjust.[4]
6. MIMA v Khawar 2002 210 CLR 1; [2002] HCA 14 Gleeson 9069 Refugee/Migration
7. Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs v Wu Shan Liang 1996 185 CLR 259; [1996] HCA 6 Brennan 8897 Refugee/Migration
8. Briginshaw v Briginshaw 1938 60 CLR 336; [1938] HCA 34 Latham 7112 Civil procedure (1) The strength of evidence necessary to establish facts on the balance of probabilities, may depend on the nature of what is sought to be proven.[5]

(2) Subject to statute, the standard of proof in all civil proceedings is the balance of probabilities.[6]

9. Applicant S v MIMA 2004 217 CLR 387; [2004] HCA 25 Gleeson 6781 Refugee/Migration
10. Jones v Dunkel 1959 101 CLR 298; [1959] HCA 8 Dixon 6313 Civil procedure 'the unexplained failure by a party to give evidence, to call witnesses or to tender documents or other evidence may (not must) lead to an inference that the uncalled evidence or missing material would not have assisted that party's case'[7]
11. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs v Peko-Wallsend Ltd 1986 162 CLR 24; [1986] HCA 40 Gibbs 4370 Administrative
12. Plaintiff S157/2002 v Commonwealth of Australia 2003 211 CLR 476; [2003] HCA 2 Gleeson 4152 Administrative

Constitutional

 Parliament cannot restrict the availability of constitutional writs.[8]
13. Australian Broadcasting Tribunal v Bond 1990 170 CLR 321; [1990] HCA 33 Mason 3703 Administrative
14. General Steel Industries Inc v Commissioner for Railways (NSW) 1964 112 CLR 125; [1964] HCA 69 Mason 3687 Civil procedure On the summary termination of actions
15. Fox v Percy 2003 214 CLR 118; [2003] HCA 22 Gleeson 3583 Appeals On the role of appellate courts, trial judge findings, and assessments of witness demeanor.
16. Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v Yusuf 2001 206 CLR 323; [2001] HCA 30 Gleeson 3536 Refugee/Migration
17. Craig v South Australia 1995 184 CLR 163; [1995] HCA 58 Brennan 3388 Administrative Jurisdictional error as it applies to courts
18. Kioa v West 1985 159 CLR 550; [1985] HCA 81 Gibbs 3336 Administrative extended the application of the doctrine of natural justice in administrative decision making.
19. Codelfa Construction Pty Ltd v State Rail Authority of New South Wales 1982 149 CLR 337; [1982] HCA 24 Gibbs 3316 Contract Construction of contracts
20. Abebe v Commonwealth 1999 197 CLR 510; [1999] HCA 14 Gleeson 3010 Refugee/Migration
21. Appellant S395/2002 v MIMA 2003 216 CLR 473; [2003] HCA 71 Gleeson 2921 Refugee/Migration
22. M v R 13 Dec 1994 181 CLR 487; [1994] HCA 63 Mason 2674 Criminal Law setting aside a jury verdict on the basis that it was unsafe and unsatisfactory.
23. Oshlack v Richmond River Council 1998 193 CLR 72; [1998] HCA 11 Gleeson 2623 Cost orders On the award of costs in public interest litigations
24. SZBEL v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs 2006 228 CLR 152; [2006] HCA 63 Gleeson 2583 Refugee/Migration
25. Veen v R (No 2) 1988 164 CLR 465; [1988] HCA 14 Mason 2555 Criminal Principles that apply when a sentence is imposed by a court
26. Pearce v R 1998 194 CLR 152; [1998] HCA 57 Gleeson 2243 Criminal Double jeopardy
27. MIMA v Respondents S152/2003 2004 222 CLR 1; [2004] HCA 18 Gleeson 2192 Refugee/Migration
28. Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy 2000 205 CLR 337; [2000] HCA 63 Gleeson 2160 Administrative Law The test for apprehension of bias in Australia is: whether “a fair-minded lay observer might reasonably apprehend that the judge might not bring an impartial mind to the resolution of the question the judge is required to decide"
29. Port of Melbourne Authority v Anshun Pty Ltd 1981 147 CLR 589; [1981] HCA 45 Gibbs 2130 Civil procedure 'Anshun estoppel' doctrine in Australian civil proceedings. The rule estops parties from making novel legal claims, when those claims should have been pursued in an earlier legal proceeding.
30. Norbis v Norbis 1986 161 CLR 513; [1986] HCA 17 Gibbs 2098
31. Mabo v Queensland (No 2) 1992 175 CLR 1; [1992] HCA 23 Mason 2075 Native title Overturned the doctrine that Australia was terra nullius and recognised the native title of the Meriam people from the Murray islands in the Torres Strait.
32. Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor 1996 186 CLR 541; [1996] HCA 25 Brennan 2065
33. Dinsdale v R 2000 202 CLR 321; [2000] HCA 54 Gleeson 2051 Criminal - Crown criminal appeals

- Relevant factors for suspension of sentence

- The meaning of 'manifestly inadequate' or 'manifestly excessive' sentences

34. March v E & MG Stramare Pty Ltd 1991 171 CLR 506; [1991] HCA 12 Mason 2008 Tort law The conditions required for causation to be established in tort law, the limitations of the "but for" test and the significance of an intervening act by a third party in determining causation
35. Dey v Victorian Railways Commissioners 1949 78 CLR 62; [1949] HCA 1 Latham 2005
36. SZBYR v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship 2007 235 ALR 609; [2007] HCA 26 Gleeson 1992 Refugee/Migration
37. SZATV v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship 2007 233 CLR 18; [2007] HCA 40 Gleeson 1986 Refugee/Migration
38. Toll (FGCT) Pty Ltd v Alphapharm Pty Ltd 2004 219 CLR 165; [2004] HCA 52 Gleeson 1967 Contract
39. Coal and Allied Operations Pty Ltd v Australian Industrial Relations Commission 2000 203 CLR 194; [2000] HCA 47 Gleeson 1947
40. Project Blue Sky v Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1998 194 CLR 355; [1998] HCA 28 Gleeson 1853 Administrative
41. Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v Eshetu 1999 197 CLR 611; [1999] HCA 21 Gleeson 1847 Refugee/Migration
42. Postiglione v R 1997 189 CLR 295; [1997] HCA 26 Brennan 1776 Criminal
43. Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala 2000 204 CLR 82; [2000] HCA 57 Gleeson 1766 Refugee/Migration
44. Attorney-General (NSW) v Quin 1990 170 CLR 1; [1990] HCA 21 Mason 1741 Administrative Legitimate expectation in Natural Justice and the extent a court can stop government policy
45. Latoudis v Casey 1990 170 CLR 534; [1990] HCA 59 Mason 1695
46. Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs v Teoh 7 Apr 1995 183 CLR 273; [1995] HCA 20 Mason 1676 Administrative

Refugee/Migration

 the ratification of an international Convention gave rise to a legitimate expectation that the convention would be applied by the Immigration department.
47. Wyong Shire Council v Shirt 1980 146 CLR 40; [1980] HCA 12 Barwick 1658
48. Mill v R 1988 166 CLR 59; [1988] HCA 70 Mason 1640 Criminal
49. Stanford v Stanford 2012 247 CLR 108; [2012] HCA 52 French 1635
50. Warren v Coombes 1979 142 CLR 531; [1979] HCA 9 Barwick 1624
51. Waltons Stores (Interstate) Ltd v Maher 19 Feb 1988 164 CLR 387; [1988] HCA 7 Mason 1621 Equitable doctrines of unconscionability in commercial law
52. SAAP v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs 2005 228 CLR 294; [2005] HCA 24 Gleeson 1606 Refugee/Migration
53. MRR v GR 2010 240 CLR 461; [2010] HCA 4 French 1604 The meaning of 'best interests of the child' in child separation cases
54. Wong v R 2001 207 CLR 584; [2001] HCA 64 Gleeson 1575 Criminal
55. Lowe v R 1984 154 CLR 606; [1984] HCA 46 Gibbs 1562 Criminal
56. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v Li 2013 249 CLR 332; [2013] HCA 18 French 1560 Refugee/Migration
57. SZFDV v MIAC 2007 233 CLR 51; [2007] HCA 41 Gleeson 1551 Refugee/Migration
58. Alcan (NT) Alumina Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Territory Revenue 2009 239 CLR 27; [2009] HCA 41 French 1547
59. Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte H 2001 179 ALR 425; [2001] HCA 28 Gleeson 1517 Refugee/Migration
60. Hospital Products Ltd v United States Surgical Corporation 1984 156 CLR 41; [1984] HCA 64 Gibbs 1517
61. Allesch v Maunz 2000 203 CLR 172; [2000] HCA 40 Gleeson 1510
62. Hili v R 2010 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 French 1502 Criminal
63. Coulton v Holcombe 1986 162 CLR 1; [1986] HCA 33 Gibbs 1502
64. Gallo v Dawson 1990 93 ALR 479; [1990] HCA 30 Mason 1489
65. Markarian v R 2005 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Gleeson 1462 Criminal
66. Wardley Australia Ltd v Western Australia 1992 175 CLR 514; [1992] HCA 55 Mason 1461
67. Queensland v J L Holdings Pty Ltd 1997 189 CLR 146; [1997] HCA 1 Brennan 1448
68. Re Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs; Ex parte Lam 2003 214 CLR 1; [2003] HCA 6 Gleeson 1442 Refugee/Migration
69. Dietrich v R 1992 177 CLR 292; [1992] HCA 57 Mason 1435 Criminal Indefinite stays may be granted by courts when an accused lacking legal representation would result in an unfair trial
70. M v M 1988 166 CLR 69; [1988] HCA 68 Mason 1417 Criminal
71. Malec v JC Hutton Pty Ltd 1990 169 CLR 638; [1990] HCA 20 Mason 1402
72. Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v Australian National University 2009 258 ALR 14; [2009] HCA 27 French 1389
73. Shell Co of Australia Ltd v Esso Standard Oil (Australia) Ltd 1963 109 CLR 407; [1963] HCA 66 Dixon 1379
74. Spencer v Commonwealth 2010 241 CLR 118; [2010] HCA 28 French 1364
75. Neat Holdings Pty Ltd v Karajan Holdings Pty Ltd 1992 110 CLR 445; [1992] HCA 66 Mason 1357
76. Jago v District Court (NSW) 1989 168 CLR 23; [1989] HCA 46 Mason 1354
77. Ainsworth v Criminal Justice Commission 1992 175 CLR 564; [1992] HCA 10 Mason 1346
78. Stevens v Brodribb Sawmilling Co Pty Ltd 1986 160 CLR 16; [1986] HCA 1 Gibbs 1343
79. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v SZIAI 2009 159 ALR 429; [2009] HCA 39 French 1319 Refugee/Migration
80. Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v SGLB 2004 207 ALR 12; [2004] HCA 32 Gleeson 1313 Refugee/Migration
81. Muldrock v R 2011 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 French 1299 Criminal
82. Re Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Ex parte Applicant S20/2002 2003 198 ALR 59; [2003] HCA 30 Gleeson 1276 Refugee/Migration
83. Singer v Berghouse 1994 181 CLR 291; [1994] HCA 40 Mason 1273
84. Lowndes v R 1999 195 CLR 665; [1999] HCA 29 Gleeson 1269 Criminal
85. Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd v Amadio 1983 151 CLR 447; [1983] HCA 14 Gibbs 1268 Equity The meaning of unconscionability in Australian law
86. R v Olbrich 1999 199 CLR 279; [1999] HCA 54 Gleeson 1267 Criminal
87. Stead v State Government Insurance Commission 1986 161 CLR 141; [1986] HCA 54 Gibbs 1253
88. Australian Broadcasting Corporation v O'Neill 2006 227 CLR 57; [2006] HCA 46 Gleeson 1248
89. Parkdale Custom Built Furniture Pty Ltd v Puxu Pty Ltd 1982 149 CLR 191; [1982] HCA 44 Gibbs 1229
90. Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd 2007 [2007] HCA 22 Gleeson 1225 Unjust enrichment

Equity

Property

Precedent
  1. Unjust enrichment is not the doctrinal basis for constructive trust relief under Barnes v Addy
  2. Constructive trust relief is defeated by registration of an interest in the Torrens system
  3. Lower courts must obey the 'seriously considered dicta' of a High Court majority
  4. Intermediate appellate courts and trial judges in Australia should not depart from other intermediate court decisions, unless they are convinced (it would be) plainly wrong
91. Williams v Spautz 1992 174 CLR 509; [1992] HCA 34 Mason 1223
92. Waterford v Commonwealth 1987 163 CLR 54; [1987] HCA 25 Mason 1197
93. Berenguel v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship 2010 264 ALR 417; [2010] HCA 8 French 1193 Refugee/Migration
94. Blair v Curran 1939 62 CLR 464; [1939] HCA 23 Latham 1181
95. Re JRL; Ex parte CJL 1986 161 CLR 342; [1986] HCA 39 Gibbs 1178
96. Gronow v Gronow 1979 114 CLR 513; [1979] HCA 63 Barwick 1174 Family In child separation cases, there is no principle, presumption, or preference for the parental role of the mother
97. Adam P Brown Male Fashions Pty Ltd v Philip Morris Inc 1981 148 CLR 170; [1981] HCA 39 Gibbs 1171
98. Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v Bhardwaj 2002 209 CLR 597; [2002] HCA 11 Gleeson 1167 Refugee/Migration
99. Commonwealth v Amann Aviation Pty Ltd 1991 174 CLR 64; [1991] HCA 54 Mason 1149 reliance damages for breach of contract
100. Abalos v Australian Postal Commission 1990 171 CLR 167; [1990] HCA 47 Mason 1132
101. Masters v Cameron 1954 91 CLR 353; [1954] HCA 72 Dixon 1120 Contract Prior verbal contracts may form part of a subsequent formal contract
102. Gould v Vaggelas 1984 157 CLR 215; [1984] HCA 68 Gibbs 1112
103. Livesey v New South Wales Bar Association 1983 151 CLR 288; [1983] HCA 17 Gibbs 1097
104. Australian Capital Television Pty Ltd v Commonwealth 1992 117 CLR 106; [1992] HCA 45 Mason 1095 First freedom of political communication case
105. Webb v R 1994 181 CLR 41; [1994] HCA 30 Mason 1093 Criminal
106. Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1997 189 CLR 520; [1997] HCA 25 Brennan 1087 Constitutional Second freedom of political communication case
107. Muschinski v Dodds 1985 160 CLR 583; [1985] HCA 78 Gibbs 1082 de facto relationship gave rise to a constructive trust
108. Pacific Carriers Ltd v BNP Paribas 2004 218 CLR 451; [2004] HCA 35 Gleeson 1073
109. O'Sullivan v Farrer 1989 168 CLR 210; [1989] HCA 61 Mason 1068
110. Yorke v Lucas 1985 158 CLR 661; [1985] HCA 65 Gibbs 1065
111. Fancourt v Mercantile Credits Ltd 1983 154 CLR 87; [1983] HCA 25 Gibbs 1045
112. Esso Australia Resources Ltd v Federal Commissioner of Taxation 1999 201 CLR 49; [1999] HCA 67 Gleeson 1036 Legal professional privilege The 'dominant purpose' test is the common law test in Australia for legal professional privilege
113. Bushel v Repatriation Commission 1992 175 CLR 408; [1992] HCA 47 Mason 1017
114. State Rail Authority of New South Wales v Earthline Constructions Pty Ltd (in liq) 1999 160 ALR 588; [1999] HCA 3 Gleeson 1016
115. R v Hickman; Ex parte Fox and Clinton 1945 70 CLR 408; [1945] HCA 53 Latham 1015
116. Mann v Carnell 1999 201 CLR 1; [1999] HCA 66 Gleeson 1011
117. MFA v R 2002 213 CLR 696; [2002] HCA 53 Gleeson 1001 Criminal
118. Re Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs; Ex parte Lai Qin 1997 186 CLR 662; [1997] HCA 6 Brennan 1000 Refugee/Migration
119. Maxwell v Murphy 1957 96 CLR 261; [1957] HCA 7 Dixon 996
120. Hope v Bathurst City Council 1980 144 CLR 1; [1980] HCA 16 Barwick 994
121. Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul 1987 162 CLR 221; [1987] HCA 5 Mason 988 Unjust enrichment Unjust enrichment, and awards for restitution in quantum meruit
122. Australian Woollen Mills Ltd v FS Walton & Co Ltd 1937 58 CLR 641; [1937] HCA 51 Latham 982
123. Banque Commerciale SA, En Liquidation v Akhil Holdings Ltd 1990 169 CLR 279; [1990] HCA 11 Mason 978
124. Knight v FP Special Assets Ltd 1992 174 CLR 178; [1992] HCA 28 Mason 976
125. Mallet v Mallet 1984 156 CLR 605; [1984] HCA 21 Gibbs 964
126. Grant v Downs 1976 135 CLR 674; [1976] HCA 63 Barwick 963
127. Vakauta v Kelly 1989 167 CLR 568; [1989] HCA 44 Mason 960
128. R v De Simoni 1981 147 CLR 383; [1981] HCA 31 Gibbs 944 Criminal Sentencing judges must not rely on facts implying a more serious crime than the actual conviction
129. Sankey v Whitlam 1978 142 CLR 1; [1978] HCA 43 Barwick 938 Administrative Imposed a very narrow view of when a government could claim 'crown privilege'
130. Shepherd v R 1990 170 CLR 573; [1990] HCA 56 Mason 927 Criminal
131. Bunning v Cross 1978 141 CLR 54; [1978] HCA 22 Barwick 920 Accused bears onus of proving evidence was improperly obtained
132. U v U 2002 211 CLR 238; [2002] HCA 36 Gleeson 916
133. Kable v Director of Public Prosecutions (NSW) 1996 189 CLR 51; [1996] HCA 24 Brennan 916 Constitutional Nature of the judicial power of the Commonwealth, as exercised by State supreme courts; indefinite detention repugnant to judicial power
134. Australian Broadcasting Corporation v Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd 2001 208 CLR 119; [2001] HCA 63 Gleeson 908
135. Green v R; Quinn v R 2011 244 CLR 462; [2011] HCA 49 French 905 Criminal
136. Suttor v Gundowda Pty Ltd 1950 81 CLR 418; [1950] HCA 35 Latham 898
137. Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v SZMDS 2010 240 CLR 611; [2010] HCA 16 French 897 Administrative A matter on which reasonable minds might differ was not unreasonable or illogical
138. Chu Kheng Lim v Minister for Immigration, Local government and Ethnic Affairs 1992 176 CLR 1; [1992] HCA 46 Mason 895 Refugee/Migration
139. Nationwide News Pty Ltd v Wills 1992 177 CLR 1; [1992] HCA 46 Mason 894 Constitutional Freedom of Political Communication
140. Commonwealth v Tasmania 1983 158 CLR 1; [1983] HCA 21 Gibbs 892 Constitutional Examined the extent of the Commonwealth's external affair power and the corporations power
141. Sellars v Adelaide Petroleum NL 1994 179 CLR 332; [1994] HCA 4 Mason 887
142. Australian Broadcasting Commission v Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd 1973 129 CLR 99; [1973] HCA 36 Barwick 885
143. Re Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Ex parte Durairajasingham 2000 168 ALR 407; [2000] HCA 1 Gleeson 878 Refugee/Migration
144. Bellgrove v Eldridge 1954 90 CLR 613; [1954] HCA 36 Dixon 875
145. Australian Coal and Shale Employees' Federation v The Commonwealth 1953 94 CLR 621; [1953] HCA 25 Dixon 875
146. Jackamarra v Krakouer 1998 195 CLR 516; [1998] HCA 27 Gleeson 872
147. Annetts v McCann 1990 170 CLR 596; [1990] HCA 57 Mason 872 Natural justice requirements for royal commissions
148. Sutherland Shire Council v Heyman 1985 157 CLR 424; [1985] HCA 41 Gibbs 871
149. Longman v R 1989 168 CLR 79; [1989] HCA 60 Mason 869 Criminal
150. Edwards v R 1993 178 CLR 193; [1993] HCA 63 Mason 860 Criminal
Dalgarno v Hannah 1903 1 CLR 1; [1903] HCA 1 Griffith 54 Constitutional First case decided by the Court
Bond v The Commonwealth of Australia 1903 1 CLR 13; [1903] HCA 2 Griffith 16 Constitutional Priority of constitution over statute
Chanter v Blackwood & Maloney v McEacharn 1904 1 CLR 39; [1904] HCA 2 Griffith 34 irregularities only affect the result of an election if the improper votes exceed the majority and official errors were, in sufficient numbers, a ground for making the election void
D'Emden v Pedder 1904 1 CLR 91; [1904] HCA 1 Griffith 197 Constitutional whether salary receipts of federal government employees were subject to state stamp duty and applied the doctrine of implied intergovernmental immunities
Peterswald v Bartley 1904 1 CLR 497; [1904] HCA 21 Griffith 63 Constitutional Dealt with s90 of the Australian Constitution, which prohibits States from levying excise
Municipal Council of Sydney v The Commonwealth 1904 1 CLR 208; [1904] HCA 50 Griffith 86 Constitutional held that a municipal rate was a tax imposed by a state agency for the purposes of section 114 of the Constitution
Tasmania v The Commonwealth of Australia and Victoria 1904 1 CLR 329 Griffith 80 Constitutional Concerned the proper approach to the interpretation of the Constitution
Deakin v Webb 1904 1 CLR 585 Griffith 73 Constitutional held that Alfred Deakin was not liable to pay Victorian income tax on his salary as a member of the Australian House of Representatives
Potter v Broken Hill Proprietary Co Ltd 1906 3 CLR 479 Griffith 66 extended the Moçambique rule to hold that the infringement in NSW of a NSW patent was not justiciable in Victoria
Federated Amalgamated Government Railway and Tramway Service Association v The New South Wales Railway Traffic Employes Association (Railway servants case) 1906 4 CLR 488 Griffith 124 Constitutional State railways employees could not be part of an interstate industrial dispute under the doctrine of "implied inter-governmental immunities"
Baxter v Commissioners of Taxation (NSW) 1907 4 CLR 1087 Griffith 149 Constitutional the Privy Council had no jurisdiction to decide Webb v Outtrim and upheld the doctrine of "implied inter-governmental immunities".
Blundell v Vardon 1907 4 CLR 1463 Griffith 16 Constitutional a series of 3 cases concerning the process of electing and appointing senators and the consequences of a void election.
R v Barger 1908 6 CLR 41 Griffith 148 Constitutional High Court appeal which overruled the Harvester Judgement
Jumbunna Coal Mine NL v Victorian Coal Miners’ Association 1908 6 CLR 309 Griffith 437 Constitutional the registration of Trade Unions was incidental to the conciliation and arbitration power
Attorney-General for NSW v Brewery Employees Union of NSW (Union Label case) 1908 6 CLR 469 Griffith 280 Constitutional Applied the reserved powers doctrine and determined the constitutional meaning of trade marks
R v Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration; Ex parte BHP 1909 8 CLR 419 Griffith 53 Constitutional High Court asserted its power to correct jurisdictional error and in doing so expanded the scope of prohibition beyond the reach it had in English courts
Federated Sawmill Employees Association v James Moore & Sons Pty Ltd 1909 8 CLR 465 Griffith 53 Constitutional Federal award could not be inconsistent with a State wages board determination
Huddart, Parker & Co Ltd v Moorehead 1909 8 CLR 330 Griffith 481 Constitutional established the classic definition of judicial power and held that the corporations power should be construed narrowly
Australian Boot Trade Employees' Federation v Whybrow & Co 1910 10 CLR 266 Griffith 47 Constitutional the conciliation and arbitration power did not permit common rule awards to prevent industrial disputes
SS Kalibia v Wilson 1910 11 CLR 689 Griffith 109 Constitutional the extent of the navigation power
Federated Engine-Drivers and Firemen's Association of Australasia v Broken Hill Proprietary Co Ltd 1911 12 CLR 398 Griffith 189 a union in different industries could not be registered
Melbourne Steamship Co Ltd v Moorehead 1912 15 CLR 333 Griffith 161 Constitutional trade & commerce power
Colonial Sugar Refining Co Ltd v Attorney-General (Cth) 1912 15 CLR 182 Griffith 58 the only case in which the High Court granted a certificate under section 74 of the Constitution to appeal to the Privy Council
New South Wales v Commonwealth (Wheat or Inter-State Commission case) 1915 20 CLR 54 Griffith 144 Constitutional Separation of powers for Courts and the Inter-State Commission
Farey v Burvett 1916 21 CLR 433 Griffith 109 Constitutional The defence power was paramount such that the reserved powers doctrine did not apply to it
Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia v J W Alexander Ltd 1918 25 CLR 434 Griffith 291 Constitutional the Constitution requires lifetime appointments for judges to specific courts
Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd (Engineers' Case) 1920 28 CLR 129 Knox 774 Constitutional Rejected the reserved State powers doctrine
R v Licensing Court of Brisbane; Ex parte Daniell 1920 28 CLR 23 Knox 71 Inconsistency between Commonwealth and State legislation, which is dealt with by s109 of the Australian Constitution
Re Judiciary and Navigation Acts 1921 29 CLR 257 Knox 528 dealt with what is a matter for the court and what the court can hear
Roche v Kronheimer 1921 29 CLR 329 Knox 55 Concluded that Federal Parliament had the power to implement the Treaty of Versailles under the defence power. One view was also under the external affair power
Melbourne Corporation v Barry 1922 31 CLR 174 Knox 141 early civil liberties case, striking down a municipal attempt to regulate street marches
Pirrie v McFarlane 1925 36 CLR 170 Knox 109 crown immunity case
British Imperial Oil Co Ltd v Federal Commissioner of Taxation 1925 35 CLR 422 Knox 68 a power of appeal against an income tax assessment was part of the Judicial power of the Commonwealth
Burwood Cinema Ltd v Australian Theatrical and Amusement Employees' Association 1925 35 CLR 528 Knox 196 unions are not just agents for their members but can be a party in their own right to an industrial dispute and award
Clyde Engineering Co Ltd v Cowburn 1926 37 CLR 466 Knox 214 'cover the field' test for inconsistency between a Commonwealth and a State law
R v Clarke 1927 40 CLR 227 Knox 48 no contract was formed because the offer of a reward was not accepted by Clarke because he did not act to claim the reward, instead he gave information that led to the conviction of a murderer to clear himself of a charge of accessory to that murder
Federated State School Teachers' Association of Australia v Victoria 1929 41 CLR 569 Knox 61 a state school teacher was not engaged in an industry and so could not be covered by a federal award
Caledonian Collieries Ltd v Australasian Coal & Shale Employees' Federation (No 1) 1930 42 CLR 527 Knox 80 attempts to arbitrate a management lockout in Hunter Valley coalmines were invalid as the dispute did not "extend beyond the limits of any one State".
Ex Parte McLean 1930 43 CLR 472 Isaacs 288 the Masters and Servants Act 1902 (NSW) was relevantly invalid as inconsistent with the Commonwealth Pastoral Award, in which Dixon J reformulated the 'cover the field' test established in Clyde Engineering Co Ltd v Cowburn
Munday v Gill 1930 44 CLR 38 Isaacs 73 in a sequel to the Caledonian Collieries case, 18 miners out of the 6–10,000 who resisted the reopening of the mine were tried together and convicted of unlawful assembly. The majority held that the right to a separate hearing did not apply to summary proceedings for statutory offences
Hollis v Vabu 1999 207 CLR 21 Gleeson 832 Industrial law principles determinative of whether a worker should be regarded as an employee or independent contractor
Australian Railways Union v Victorian Railways Commissioners 1930 44 CLR 319 Isaacs 129 in a precursor to Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth, Dixon J held that federal legislation could not "discriminate against the States or their agencies."
Attorney-General (New South Wales) v Trethowan 1931 44 CLR 394 Gavan Duffy 68 considered Premier of New South Wales Jack Lang's attempt to abolish the New South Wales Legislative Council.
Victorian Stevedoring & General Contracting Co Pty Ltd v Dignan 1931 46 CLR 73 Gavan Duffy 536 the Constitution did not require a strict separation of powers between the executive and the legislature
New South Wales v Commonwealth (No.1) 1932 46 CLR 155 Gavan Duffy 38 the Commonwealth could validly seize State revenue for the purpose of paying interest on State debts
Australian Knitting Mills Limited v Grant 1933 50 CLR 387 Gavan Duffy 181 concerned the liability of a manufacturer of woolen underwear to a consumer. The High Court decision was overturned by the Privy Council.
Tuckiar v The King 1934 52 CLR 335 Gavan Duffy 68 race relations and lawyer duty case.
R v Carter; ex parte Kisch and R v Wilson; ex parte Kisch (Kisch's case) 1934 52 CLR 234 Gavan Duffy 61 Immigration a long round of litigation arising from the Lyons' government's attempts to exclude left-wing journalist Egon Kisch from Australia. Found that Scottish Gaelic was not a European language within the meaning of the Immigration Restriction Act 1901 (Cth).
R v Burgess; Ex parte Henry 1936 55 CLR 608 Latham 177 external affair power extends to implementing treaties
Victoria Park Racing & Recreation Grounds Co Ltd v Taylor 1937 58 CLR 479 Latham 219 Property broadcasting rights were not protected as quasi-property
Matthews v Chicory Marketing Board (Vic) 1938 80 CLR 263 Latham 1 Considered s90 of the Constitution, which prohibits States from levying excise.
Henwood v Municipal Tramways Trust (SA) 1938 60 CLR 438 Latham 115 the unlawful act of the deceased did not absolve the Trust from civil liability for its negligence.
Deputy Federal Commissioner of Taxation (NSW) v W R Moran Pty Ltd 1939 61 CLR 735 Latham 89 whether s96 is limited by s99, which prevents Commonwealth laws discriminating between States.
Proudman v Dayman 1941 67 CLR 536 Latham 355 Developed the doctrine of honest and reasonable mistake of fact as a defence to some criminal matters
South Australia v Commonwealth (First Uniform Tax case) 1942 65 CLR 373 Latham 248 Commonwealth taxation power was sufficient to impose a scheme of uniform income tax across the country and displace that of the States
Adelaide Company of Jehovah's Witnesses v Commonwealth (Jehovah's Witnesses case) 1943 67 CLR 116 Latham 168 strict limits to the Constitution's protections for religious freedom
Silk Bros Pty Ltd v State Electricity Commission (Vict) 1943 67 CLR 1 Latham 104 a power to determine applications by landlords for recovery of premises and providing for the enforcement of the Board's orders were an invalid attempt to confer Judicial power on a body that was not a Federal Court
Attorney-General (Vic) ex rel Dale v Commonwealth (First Pharmaceutical Benefits case) 1945 71 CLR 237 Latham 143 considered whether expenditure under the appropriations power had to be supported by another head of legislative power, however there was no clear ratio decidendi
Australian National Airways Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (No 1) 1945 71 CLR 29 Latham 189 the Commonwealth could own an airline, but it could not hinder private sector competition with that airline
Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth (Melbourne Corporation case) 1947 74 CLR 31 Latham 402 limits to Commonwealth legislative power implied from federal nature of Constitution.
In Re Davis 1947 75 CLR 409 Latham 338 Regarding the admission of legal practitioners and the jurisdiction of courts over barristers
O'Keefe v Calwell 1948 77 CLR 261 Latham 69 Regarding the deportation of war time evacuees
Bank of New South Wales v Commonwealth (Bank Nationalisation case) 1948 76 CLR 1 Latham 679 striking down of an attempt to nationalise the banks, (Later affirmed by the Privy Council in Commonwealth v Bank of New South Wales)
Parton v Milk Board (Vic) 1949 80 CLR 229 Latham 87 Dealt with the meaning of excise in relation to s90 of the Constitution.
P J Magennis Pty Ltd v Commonwealth 1949 80 CLR 382 Latham 107 Commonwealth's power of acquisition of property, which must be on just terms, as specified in section 51(xxxi) of the Constitution.
British Medical Association v Commonwealth (Second Pharmaceutical Benefits case) 1949 79 CLR 201 Latham 133 Held the Pharmaceutical Benefits Act 1947 was invalid as authorising a form of civil conscription. Settled the construction of section 81 of the constitution that expenditure had to be supported by another head of legislative power.
Australian Communist Party v Commonwealth (Communist Party case) 1951 83 CLR 1 Latham 606 declared the Communist Party Dissolution Act 1950 (Cth) unconstitutional and invalid based on Parliament's inability to exercise a given power in the peacetime context of the Act.
McRae v Commonwealth Disposals Commission 1951 84 CLR 377 Latham 243 equal knowledge was required for a contract to be void for common mistake
Pye v Renshaw 1951 84 CLR 58 Latham 64 NSW legislation for the resumption of land that was not required to be funded under s 96 of the Constitution was not subject to the restriction in s 51(xxxi) that the acquisition of property be on just terms
Australian Woollen Mills Pty Ltd v Commonwealth 1954 92 CLR 424 Dixon 175 Contract a statement on government policy was not a legally binding offer capable of acceptance
O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat Ltd 1954 92 CLR 565 Dixon 108 Scope of the trade and commerce power, under s51
R v Davison 1954 90 CLR 353 Dixon 292 a registrar was not an officer of the Bankruptcy Court and a legislative attempt to confer upon a registrar the power of making a judicial order was void
Masters v Cameron 1954 91 CLR 353 Dixon 1120 set out the possibilities when parties enter into an agreement, however that is yet to have been formalised in a more intricate agreement
Mace v Murray 1955 92 CLR 370 Dixon 161 an appeal against a discretionary decision can only succeed if the appeal court reaches a clear conclusion that the primary judge has failed to properly exercise the discretion
R v Kirby; Ex parte Boilermakers' Society of Australia 1956 94 CLR 254 Dixon 639 cornerstone decision confirming the separation of judicial and executive powers of the Commonwealth
O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat Ltd (No 2) 1956 94 CLR 367 Dixon 13 refused to issue a certificate for leave to appeal to the Privy Council against the previous decision of O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat Ltd
Victoria v Commonwealth (Second Uniform Tax case) 1957 99 CLR 575 Dixon 138
Dennis Hotels Pty Ltd v Victoria 1960 104 CLR 529 Dixon 95 Deals with s90 of the constitution, which prohibits States from levying export duties
Aston v Harlee Manufacturing Co 1960 103 CLR 391 Dixon 328 a person register a trade mark in Australia even if it is used by someone else in a foreign country & not in Australia
Swift Australian Co (Pty) Ltd v Boyd Parkinson 1962 108 CLR 189 Dixon 28 Regarding the scope of the trade and commerce power in s51(i) of the Constitution
Bolton v Madsen 1963 110 CLR 264 Dixon 36 s90 of the Constitution, which prohibits States from levying excise duty
Redfern v Dunlop Rubber Australia Ltd 1964 110 CLR 194 Dixon 35 Regarding the scope of the trade and commerce power in s51(i) of the Constitution
Anderson's Pty Ltd v Victoria 1964 111 CLR 353 Dixon 29 s90 of the Constitution
Fairfax v Commissioner of Taxation 1965 114 CLR 1 Barwick 106 scope of the taxation power
Airlines of New South Wales Pty Ltd v New South Wales (No 2) 1965 113 CLR 54 Barwick 129 validity of Commonwealth regulations about intrastate air navigation
Latec Investments Ltd v Hotel Terrigal Pty Ltd 1965 113 CLR 265 Barwick 231 discussion of the principles upon which the priority of competing equitable interests in land is to be determined
Beaudesert Shire Council v Smith 1966 120 CLR 145 Barwick 112 a person who suffers loss because of the unlawful, intentional and positive acts of another, can recover damages independently of trespass, negligence or nuisance
Beecham Group Ltd v Bristol Laboratories Pty Ltd 1968 118 CLR 618 Barwick 848 there must be a prima facie case before the court will grant an interlocutory injunction
Pacific Film Laboratories v Commissioner of Tax 1970 121 CLR 154 Barwick 45 defined copyright
Strickland v Rocla Concrete Pipes Ltd (Concrete Pipes case) 1971 124 CLR 468 Barwick - Constitutional landmark Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) case
Victoria v Commonwealth (1971) 1971 122 CLR 353 Barwick 261 scope of the Commonwealth's taxation power and the extent to which it can burden a state's structural integrity
Breskvar v Wall 1972 126 CLR 376 Barwick - influential decision in Property Law, specifically in which equitable interests take priority
King v Jones 1972 128 CLR 221 Barwick 56 considered the nature of section 41 of the Australian Constitution
Dickenson's Arcade Pty Ltd v Tasmania 1974 130 CLR 177 Barwick - s90 of the Constitution
R v Joske; Ex parte Australian Building Construction Employees and Builders' Labourers' Federation 1974 130 CLR 87 Barwick 57 non-judicial powers such as reorganising unions and invalidating union rules were allowed to be exercised by a Chapter III court
Cormack v Cope 1974 131 CLR 432 Barwick 89 Constitutional validity of the Joint Sitting of the Australian Parliament of 1974
Victoria v Commonwealth and Western Australia v Commonwealth (First Territory Senators' Case) 1975 134 CLR 81 Barwick 202 Validity of various Acts passed by the Joint Sitting of the Australian Parliament of 1974 and the validity of full representation for the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory in the Senate.
New South Wales v Commonwealth ('Seas and Submerged Lands case) 1975 135 CLR 337 Barwick 318 sovereignty over the continental shelf.
Murphyores Inc Pty Ltd v Commonwealth 1976 136 CLR 1 Barwick 257 prevention of activity within a grant of legislative power
Caltex Oil (Australia) Pty Ltd v Dredge "Willemstad" 1976 136 CLR 529 Barwick 392 pure economic loss was recoverable because the defendants knew or should have known that Caltex would suffer it.
Mullens v Federal Commissioner of Taxation 1976 135 CLR 290 Barwick 53 Tax deductions for monies subscribed to a petroleum exploration company
Cridland v Federal Commissioner of Taxation 1977 140 CLR 330 Barwick 54 Tax scheme whereby university students became primary producers
Slutzkin v Federal Commissioner of Taxation 1977 140 CLR 314 Barwick - Concerning the tax position of company owners who sold to a dividend stripping operation
Queensland v Commonwealth (1977) (Second Territory Senators' Case) 1977 139 CLR 585 Barwick 225 the validity of full representation for the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory in the Parliament
Sankey v Whitlam 1978 142 CLR 1 Barwick 938 extent of 'crown privilege'
Gronow v Gronow 1979 144 CLR 513 Barwick 1174 the preferred role of the mother was not a principle, presumption nor preference
R v Federal Court of Australia; Ex parte W.A. National Football League 1979 143 CLR 190 Barwick 345 Aka Adamson's Case Decided that a "trading and financial" corporation (a pl.(xx) entity) could be more than just a corporation set up for the purpose of trade, as long as its current revenue included a significant proportion of trading activities
Attorney-General (Vic); Ex Rel Black v Commonwealth DOGS case 1981 146 CLR 559 Gibbs 28 confirmed the wide interpretation of s 96 of the Constitution.
Shaddock & Associates Pty Ltd v Parramatta City Council (No 1) 1981 150 CLR 225 Gibbs 294 the court decided to adopt the High Court ruling in Mutual Life & Citizens' Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Evatt (1968) over the Privy Council decision which overruled the High Court. This re-affirmed the broad approach taken to statements of negligent misrepresentation.
Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen 1982 153 CLR 168 Gibbs 492 the constitutional validity of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
Actors and Announcers Equity Association v. Fontana Films Pty Ltd 1982 150 CLR 169 Gibbs 213 extent of corporations power
Legione v Hatley 1983 152 CLR 406 Gibbs 839 the adoption of promissory estoppel into Australian law
R v Pearson; Ex parte Sipka 1983 152 CLR 254 Gibbs 61 found that there is no constitutional right to vote in Australia
New South Wales v Commonwealth (1983) 1983 151 CLR 302 Gibbs 31 Hospital Benefits Fund Case
Fencott v Muller 1983 152 CLR 570 Gibbs 721 extent of corporations power
R v Coldham; Ex parte Australian Social Welfare Union 1983 153 CLR 297 Gibbs 165 overturned the Schoolteacher's case and held that social workers could be a party to an industrial dispute
Hematite Petroleum Pty Ltd v Victoria 1983 151 CLR 599 Gibbs 75 s90 of the Constitution
Chamberlain v The Queen 1984 153 CLR 521 Gibbs 810 unsuccessful challenge by Lindy Chamberlain to her conviction for murder of her daughter Azaria
A v Hayden 1984 156 CLR 532 Gibbs 230
Kirmani v Captain Cook Cruises Pty Ltd (No 2) 1985 159 CLR 461 Gibbs 27 refused an application for certificate to appeal to Privy Council, stating the power "has long since been spent"
He Kaw Teh v R 1985 157 CLR 523 Gibbs 734 Strict liability / Moral culpability issues in importing prohibited imports.
Hilton v Wells 1985 157 CLR 57 Gibbs 159
Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union v Mudginberri Station 1986 161 CLR 98; [1986] HCA 46 Gibbs 465 case arising from the Mudginberri dispute
Williams v The Queen 1986 [1986] HCA 88 Gibbs 299 Admission of evidence
Computer Edge v Apple 1986 Gibbs - Copyright in computer software
Pavey & Matthews Pty Ltd v Paul 1987 Gibbs - unjust enrichment and restitution for quantum meruit
Re Cram; Ex parte New South Wales Colliery Proprietors' Association Ltd 16 Jul 1987 Mason - held that matters of managerial prerogative could be the subject of an industrial dispute
Nile v Wood 16 Dec 1987 Mason - disqualification from election under section 44 of the Constitution is not simply for the conviction of an offence, but the person must be serving a sentence of imprisonment for one year or more.
Re Ranger Uranium Mines Pty Ltd; Ex parte FMWUA 16 Dec 1987 Mason - existing employees could create an industrial dispute for the reinstatement of a former employee who was unfairly dismissed.
Richardson v Forestry Commission of Tasmania 10 Mar 1988 Mason - applied external affair power following Tasmainan Dams Case.
Cole v Whitfield 2 May 1988 Mason - Resolved s92 Jurisprudence
Re Wood 12 May 1988 Mason - Wood's election as a Senator was invalid as he was not an Australian citizen at the time
Bath v Alston Holdings Pty Ltd 17 Jun 1988 Mason - application of the freedom of interstate trade, as specified in s92 of the Constitution
Trident General Insurance v McNiece 8 Sep 1988 Mason -
Air Caledonie v Commonwealth 24 Nov 1988 Mason - Provides guidance as to the constitutional definition of a tax
Mabo v Queensland (No 1) 8 Dec 1988 Mason - held that Australian governments were not able to abolish native title rights arbitrarily
Re Tracey; Ex parte Ryan Mason - the defence power in s 51(vi) of the Constitution conferred power on the Parliament to enact a scheme of military discipline, including rules for the trial and punishment of offences, lying outside Chapter III.
New South Wales v Commonwealth (1990) 1990 Mason - whether the Commonwealth had the power to legislate for the formation of companies
Castlemaine Tooheys Ltd v South Australia 1990 Mason - Freedom of interstate trade
Bropho v Western Australia 1990 Mason - refused to follow the Privy Council in relation to the law of Crown immunity, holding that it required ascertaining the intention of the Parliament
Barley Marketing Board (NSW) v Norman 1990 Mason - question of whether State-run marketing boards are permissible under s92 of the Constitution
Commonwealth v Verwayen 1990 Mason - leading case about estoppel
Polyukhovich v Commonwealth (War Crimes Act case) 1991 Mason - validity of the War Crimes Act 1945 (Cth)
Harris v Caladine 1991 Mason - judicial power may be given to a non-judicial agent provided the judges still bear the major responsibility for exercise of the power and the exercise of power is subject to court review.
Re Nolan; Ex Parte Young 1991 Mason - a law to punish defence members and defence civilians for their conduct was a valid exercise of the defence power in s 51(vi) of the Constitution.
Louth v Diprose 1992 Mason - unconscionable conduct
Sykes v Cleary 1992 Mason - A teacher in the Victorian state system on leave without pay had his election invalidated under subsection 44(i) of the Constitution as he was acting in an office for profit under the crown.
Rogers v Whitaker 1992 Mason - Duty of a Medical practitioner to inform a patient of the possibility of adverse effect of proposed surgery prior to obtaining consent.
Secretary of the Department of Health and Community Services v JWB and SMB (Marion's case) 1992 Mason - looking at the capacity for children and parents to make decisions about the child's welfare – and when only a court order will provide proper consent.
Leeth v Commonwealth 1992 Mason - implied right of legal equality in the Constitution
Cheatle v The Queen 1993 Mason - nature of constitutional guarantee for trial by jury where Commonwealth judicial power exercised by state courts
Baltic Shipping Company v Dillon 1993 Mason - incorporation of exclusion clauses and damages for breach of contract or restitution for unjust enrichment
Black v The Queen 1993 Mason - directions to a jury
Australian Tape Manufacturers Association Ltd v Commonwealth 1993 Mason - Provides guidance as to the constitutional definition of a tax
Northern Suburbs General Cemetery Reserve Trust v Commonwealth 1993 Mason - Case that considered the scope of the taxation power
Federal Commissioner of Taxation v Peabody 1994 Mason - The ATO sought to apply anti-avoidance provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth)
Burnie Port Authority v General Jones Pty Ltd 1994 Mason - tort law case which abolished the rule in Rylands v. Fletcher
Theophanous v Herald & Weekly Times Ltd 1994 Mason - implied freedom of political communication case
Re Tyler; Ex parte Foley 1 Jun 1994 Mason - if the Constitution required a service tribunal exercising disciplinary powers to be independent, a general court martial constituted under the Defence Force Discipline Act met those requirements.
Brandy v Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission 25 Feb 1995 Mason - HREOC could not exercise judicial power.
Western Australia v Commonwealth 16 Mar 1995 Mason - the Native Title Act (Cth) was a valid exercise of the race power and an inconsistent WA Act was invalid.
Re Australian Education Union 7 Apr 1995 Mason - intergovernmental immunities in relation to the Constitution.
Northern Territory v Mengel 19 Apr 1995 Mason - overturned its earlier decision in Beaudesert Shire Council v Smith, and that tort liability required either negligence or an intention to harm
Byrne v Australian Airlines 1995 Brennan - test for implied terms in relation to an industrial award
Grollo v Palmer 1995 -
Langer v Commonwealth 1996 - full preferential voting was a valid method by which members of parliament were directly chosen by the people
Wik Peoples v Queensland 1996 - Native title
McGinty v Western Australia 1996 - malapportionment of state electorates
Victoria v Commonwealth (Industrial Relations Act case) 1996 - examination of various constitutional bases for 1993 amendments to Industrial Relations Act 1988 (Cth)
Leask v Commonwealth 1996 - role of proportionality in the Constitution
Wilson v Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Affairs 1996 189 CLR 1; 1996 HCA 18 - Hindmarsh Island bridge controversy
Levy v Victoria 1997 1997 HCA 31 - Freedom of Political Communication
Ha v New South Wales 1997 - the court invalidated a New South Wales tobacco licensing scheme, reining in the licensing scheme exception to the prohibition states levying excise duties, contained in section 90 of the Australian Constitution
Kruger v Commonwealth 1997 - stolen generations case
CSR v Cigna Insurance 1997 - rules for granting of anti-suit injunctions
Esanda Finance Corporation Ltd v Peat Marwick Hungerfords 1997 - liability of auditors to third parties
Henderson v Defence Housing Authority (1997) 1997 -
Kartinyeri v The Commonwealth 1998 Gleeson - 2nd Hindmarsh Island Bridge Case the amended s.51(xxvi) of the Constitution did not restrict the Commonwealth parliament to making laws for the benefit of the "Aboriginal race".
Patrick Stevedores Operations No 2 Pty Ltd v Maritime Union of Australia 1998 Gleeson - waterfront dispute case
Gould v Brown 1998 Gleeson - unsuccessful challenge to cross-vesting scheme (precursor to Re Wakim)
Garcia v National Australia Bank 1998 Gleeson - Determined the circumstances under which it is unconscionable for a lender to enforce a transaction against a wife
Bathurst City Council v PWC Properties Pty Ltd 1998 Gleeson - involved Council-owned land that was being used as a public car park
Egan v Willis 1998 Gleeson - Justiciability of legislative powers by courts
Re Wakim; Ex parte McNally 1999 Gleeson - invalidation of part of the cross-vesting of jurisdiction scheme
Sue v Hill 1999 Gleeson - British citizens are citizens of a 'foreign power'
Bond v The Queen 2000 Gleeson - decision relating to the power of the federal prosecutor to institute appeals in state courts.
R v Hughes 2000 Gleeson - power of federal officers to enforce state laws
Truth About Motorways 2000 Gleeson - standing under Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth)
Airservices Australia v Canadian Airlines International Ltd 2000 Gleeson - Affirms previous High Court definitions of a tax
Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy 2000 Gleeson -
CFMEU v Australian Industrial Relations Commission (private arbitration case) 2001 Gleeson - a dispute settlement clause in the Gordonstone coal certified agreement created a power of private arbitration, not the exercise of the judicial power of the Commonwealth.
Pilmer v Duke Group Ltd (in liq) 2001 Gleeson - whether a contract gives rise to fiduciary duties is always a matter of construction.
Roxborough v Rothmans of Pall Mall Australia Ltd 2001 Gleeson - a tobacco wholesaler was unjustly enriched by retaining tobacco fees collected from the retailer that had been struck down by the High Court as an excise.
Commonwealth v Yarmirr 2001 Gleeson - native title rights over the sea were inconsistent with the public rights of navigation and fishing
ABC v Lenah Game Meats 2001 Gleeson - the purpose of an interlocutory injunction is to preserve identifiable legal or equitable rights
R v Carroll 2002 Gleeson - double jeopardy issue
Dow Jones & Co Inc v Gutnick 2002 Gleeson - where material was published on the internet, a defamation suit could be brought where the plaintiff had his primary residence and where he was best known.
Luton v Lessels 2002 Gleeson - Affirms previous High Court definitions of a tax.
Members of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community v Victoria 2002 Gleeson - affirmed a finding by the trial judge that the 'tide of history' had 'washed away' any real acknowledgement of traditional laws and any real observance of traditional customs by the applicants.
Western Australia v Ward 2002 Gleeson - native title is a bundle of rights, which may be extinguished one by one, for example, by a mining lease
Ermogenous v Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc 2002 Gleeson - whether the engagement of a minister of religion was a contract, in which the Court was critical of the language of presumptions as to intention to create a legal relationship.
Neat Domestic Training Pty Ltd v AWB Ltd 2003 Gleeson - ambit of administrative law in the case of commercialised state corporations
Cattanach v Melchior 2003 Gleeson - medical negligence – a doctor forced to pay upkeep of a child born as a result of his negligence
Plaintiff S157/2002 v Commonwealth 2003 Gleeson - the Migration Act did not seek to exclude the jurisdiction of the High Court pursuant to section 75(v) of the Constitution.
Re MUA; Ex parte CSL Pacific Shipping Inc 2003 Gleeson - the Australian Industrial Relations Commission could validly make an award covering a foreign company operating a foreign flagged vessel with a foreign crew while the ship was trading in Australian waters, pursuant to the trade and commerce power.
Austin v Commonwealth 2003 Gleeson - Case that deals with issues of intergovernmental immunity and discrimination of states against Commonwealth power.
Al-Kateb v Godwin 2004 Gleeson - considered the legality of indefinite immigration detention
Behrooz v Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs 2004 Gleeson - harsh conditions of immigration detention do not render the detention unlawful.
Re Aird; Ex parte Alpert 2004 Gleeson - the Defence Force Discipline Act, which permitted a trial by general court martial, was a valid exercise of the defence power in s 51(vi) of the Constitution.
Electrolux v AWU 2004 Gleeson - under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) industrial action and certified agreements could only be about matters pertaining to the employment relationship.
Fardon v Attorney-General (Qld) 2004 Gleeson - Regarding the separation of powers.
Coleman v Power 2004 Gleeson - Deals with the implied right to freedom of political communication found in the Australian Constitution.
Combet v Commonwealth 2005 Gleeson - challenge against Federal Government's use of public funds to advertise Workchoices
Stevens V Kabushiki Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment 2005 Gleeson - first case in Australia to define the "anti-circumvention" provisions of the Digital Agenda Act 2000 (Cth)
Fish v Solution 6 Holdings Limited 2006 Gleeson - the privative provisions of a NSW Act did not prevent the Court of Appeal from issuing prerogative relief for jurisdictional error.
Harriton v Stephens Gleeson - medical negligence – consideration of whether damages could be awarded where claim of "wrongful life"
New South Wales v Commonwealth (Workplace Relations case) 2006 Gleeson - considered the constitutional validity of WorkChoices, in the context of the Commonwealth's corporations and industrial relations powers.
New South Wales v Fahy 2007 Gleeson - workplace negligence – whether to override the existing test for breach of duty of care in Australia.
Roach v Electoral Commissioner Gleeson - Whether laws disenfranchising all prisoners were constitutional
Thomas v Mowbray Gleeson - Whether "interim control orders" were constitutional
Farah Construction v Say-Dee Gleeson - Fiduciary duties; contains obiter dicta pertaining to many areas of the law of Equity
White v Director of Military Prosecutions Gleeson - the administration of military justice under the Discipline Act was not an exercise of the judicial power of the Commonwealth.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Baxter Healthcare Gleeson - Derivative Crown immunity from statutes – whether a government contractor is bound by the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) in its commercial dealings with the Crown.
Betfair Pty Limited v Western Australia Gleeson - determined whether a series of amendments made by the Western Australian government to prohibit the operation of betting exchanges amounted to discriminatory burdens of a protectionist kind.
R v Tang Gleeson - significant slavery prosecution
Northern Territory of Australia v Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust (Blue Mud Bay case) 2008 Gleeson - native title to waters over land
Cesan v The Queen 2008 French - there was a miscarriage of justice in the conviction of two men for drug trafficking where the trial judge was asleep during parts of the trial.
Pape v The Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia 2009 French - the Rudd government's tax bonuses were constitutionally valid.
Lane v Morrison 2009 French - The Australian Military Court was an invalid attempt to exercise the judicial power of the Commonwealth because its members did not enjoy the tenure required by s 72 of the Constitution.
Kirk v Industrial Court of NSW 2010 French - State Parliaments cannot prevent State Supreme Courts from issuing prerogative relief for jurisdictional error.
South Australia v Totani 2010 French - South Australian Bikie laws and freedom of association case: A State could not validly impair one of the defining characteristics of a court.
Rowe v Electoral Commissioner 2010 French - Commonwealth legislation invalidly sought to restrict the time in which a person may seek to enroll in an election or alter their enrollment details after the writs for 2010 Australian federal election had been issued.
Plaintiff M61/2010E v Commonwealth 2010 French - The minister was required to afford procedural fairness to applicants for refugee status who were assessed as part of an "offshore processing regime"
Telstra Corporation Ltd v Commonwealth 2010 French - the operation of the access regime to the copper telecommunications network did not result in an acquisition of property on unjust terms
Plaintiff M70/2011 v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship 2010 French - The Malaysia Solution case: refugees can not be deported to nations which are not legally bound to ensure various safeties for those refugees.
Wainohu v New South Wales 2011 French - Non-judicial functions conferred upon judges of the Supreme Court of NSW were incompatible with institutional integrity of the Court
Haskins v The Commonwealth 2011 French - the Military Justice (Interim Measures) Act was a valid exercise of the defence power and provided lawful authority justifying the detention of the plaintiff.
JT International SA v Commonwealth 2011 French - rejected the Tobacco companies challenge to the Commonwealth's plain tobacco packaging laws, claiming their trademark property had been illegally acquired without compensation.
Wotton v Queensland 2012 French - a gag order applying to all prisoners and parolees was a legitimate burden on freedom of political communication.
Williams v Commonwealth 2012 French - School Chaplins case: The funding for school chaplins was not a valid use of prerogative powers for the executive under s61 of the constitution.
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE v Barclay 2012 French - Industrial Law held the employer did not act for a prohibited reason when it suspended a union delegate over an inflammatory email.
Betfair Pty Limited v Racing New South Wales 30 Mar 2012 French - a fee to access race field information had no discriminatory or protectionist effect on interstate trade and did not infringe s 92 of the Constitution.
Kakavas v Crown Melbourne Ltd 2013 French - A casino did not owe a duty of care to gamblers.
Monis v The Queen 2013 French - a split decision on whether the implied freedom of political communication protected the sending of offensive messages by post.
Akiba v Commonwealth (2013) 2013 French - held that native title rights at sea were not extinguished by legislation for fishing licences and third party rights of a personal character dependent upon status were not rights in relation to the waters.
Commonwealth v ACT (Same-sex marriage case) 2014 French - The Marriage Equality Act 2013 (ACT) was invalid as inconsistent with the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)
Commonwealth Bank of Australia v Barker 2014 French - there is no implied term in contracts of employment in Australia imposing a mutual duty of trust and confidence.
Williams v Commonwealth (No 2) 2014 French - 2nd School Chaplins case: The legislation for funding for school chaplins was invalid as it extended beyond the scope of Parliament's power under the Constitution.
CFMEU v BHP Coal Pty Ltd 2014 French - held the employer did not act for a prohibited reason when it dismissed a union member who held up a scab sign during a union protest.
Queensland v Congoo 2015 [2015] HCA 17 French - split decision on whether a temporary military occupation of the Bar Barrum people's land during World War Two permanently extinguished their native title
McCloy v New South Wales 2015 [2015] HCA 34 French - In reference to the Provisions of Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Act 1981 (NSW) on whether the states have the power to forbid groups such as Property Developers from making Political Donations during an Election Cycle and whether it restricts Freedom of Political Association. The court found that states do have that power and it does not infringe on freedoms in the Constitution.
D'Arcy v Myriad Genetics Inc 2015 French - human genes are not a 'patentable invention' for the purposes of the Patents Act 1900 (Cth).
Attwells v Jackson Lalic Lawyers Pty Ltd 2016 French - advice given by an advocate out of court that led to consent orders made by the court was not subject to the advocate's immunity from suit.
Day v Australian Electoral Officer for SA 2016 French - upheld the 2016 Senate voting changes as both above the line and below the line voting were constitutionally valid methods for the people to choose their Senators.
Murphy v Electoral Commissioner 2016 [2016] HCA 36 French - held that closing the electoral rolls 7 days after the issuing of writs was not a burden on the requirement that members of Parliament be directly chosen by the people.
Cunningham v Commonwealth 2016 [2016] HCA 39 French - changes to the retiring allowances and life Gold Pass for retired members of Parliament were not an acquisition of property otherwise than on just terms.
Re Culleton (No 2) 2017 Kiefel - Rod Culleton was incapable of being chosen as a senator as he was subjected to be sentenced at the time of his election, despite the conviction subsequently being annulled.
Re Day (No 2) 2017 Kiefel - Bob Day was disqualified from sitting as a senator as he had an interest in an agreement with the crown.
Wilkie v Commonwealth 2017 Kiefel - expenditure for the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey had been approved by Parliament and was the collection of "statistical information" that could be conducted by the ABS.
Brown v Tasmania 2017 Kiefel - provisions of the Tasmanian Protesters Act were unconstitutional since they excessively burdened the implied constitutional right of political communication.
Re Canavan 2017 Kiefel - the Citizenship seven case (2017): followed Sykes v Cleary holding that the fact of dual citizenship was disqualifying, regardless of whether the person knew of the citizenship or took any voluntary act.
Re Nash (No 2) 2017 Kiefel - the words "incapable of being chosen" refer to a process of being chosen that does not end on polling day; the process continues until such time as the result of the election is declared which, in the case of a vacancy arising under s 44 of the Constitution, cannot be until the places elected are filled by the qualified candidates.
Alley v Gillespie 2018 Kiefel - section 46 of the Constitution and the displacing legislation cannot be read as conferring on the High Court the power to determine the eligibility of a member of parliament; that power is conferred on the relevant House of Parliament or the Court of Disputed Returns acting pursuant to a referral under the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
Unions NSW v New South Wales 2019 [2019] HCA 1 Kiefel - section 29 (10) of the Electoral Funding Act 2018 (NSW), halving the permitted third-party political donation expense limit during elections, was unconstitutional since it impermissibly burdens the implied constitutional right of political communication.
ASIC v Kobelt 2019 Kiefel - what constituted 'unconscionable conduct in connection with financial services'
Comcare v Banerji 2019 Kiefel - the sacking of a federal public servant for making anonymous political comments on social media did not breach the implied constitutional right of political communication.
Love v Commonwealth; Thoms v Commonwealth 2020 Kiefel - Aboriginal Australians are not within the reach of the Commonwealth's power to make laws with respect to aliens, and therefore cannot be deported.[9][10]
Pell v The Queen 7 Apr 2020 Kiefel - acquittal ordersed on the basis that the jury, acting rationally on the whole of the evidence, ought to have entertained a doubt as to Cardinal George Pell's guilt.
Smethurst v Commissioner of Police 15 April 2020 Kiefel - an invalid warrant was not a sufficient basis for an injunction to return information to a journalist who did not have a legally-protected right or interest in that information.
Berry v CCL Secure Ltd 2020 Kiefel - assessment of damages for deliberately deceptive conduct.
Lewis v ACT 2020 Kiefel - vindicatory damages are not recognized as a distinct form of common law damages in Australia.

    References
    1. "Citation index". LawCite. Retrieved 22 January 2021. Note: LawCite citation statistics track the written judgements of courts, journal articles, and tribunals. (both in Australia and overseas). List is as of September 2020.
    2. Note: this rank is for all LawCite cases, not only the ones listed on this page
    3. Chan Yee Kin v Minister for Immigration & Ethnic Affairs [1989] HCA 62, 169 CLR 379] (9 December 1989), McHugh para. 42.
    4. https://chrisnowlan.com/house.pdf
    5. Briginshaw v Briginshaw8 [193] HCA 34, 60 CLR 336 at p 362 Dixon J.
    6. Wyatt, Judith, "Briginshaw v Briginshaw" (1954) 6 Res Judicate 541 – via Austlii.
    7. Mullins, Gerry (2005). "Inferences drawn from a failure to give evidence: the rule in Jones v Dunkel". (2005) 68 Precedent Australian Lawyers Alliance 41 – via Austlii.
    8. French CJ (25 March 2011). "The Role of the Courts in Migration Law" (PDF).
    9. Byrne, Elizabeth; Robertson, Josh (11 February 2020). "High Court rules Aboriginal people cannot be deported for criminal convictions, cannot be 'alien' to Australia". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
    10. "Love v Commonwealth of Australia; Thoms v Commonwealth of Australia [2020] HCA 3 - Judgment Summary" (PDF). High Court of Australia. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 11 February 2020.

    See also
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