High Court of Australia: Revised Special Leave Processes

21/11/2023

The High Court of Australia has released revised special leave processes, which includes changes to:

• how special leave applications are to be considered, including the number of Justices that will determine applications, contingent on whether applicants are represented;
• the publication of dispositions on the Court’s website rather than in open court;
• circumstances in which applications are to be referred for oral argument, rather than decided on the papers; and
• the availability of directions hearings following the grant of special leave or leave to appeal or the removal of proceedings.

The first meeting of the High Court to consider applications under the revised processes will be held on Monday, 4 December 2023, with decisions to be published on Thursday, 7 December 2023.