1. The courts of each state and territory generally hear cases arising within their particular geographical jurisdiction. However, 'cross vesting' legislation has been enacted which enables one court to deal with cases that involve the laws of more than one jurisdiction.

2. Appeals from the lower courts generally proceed to a higher court within the same jurisdiction. The High Court of Australia is the highest appeal court in all jurisdictions.

3. The various courts shown generally have the power to hear both criminal and civil matters.

4. This diagram does not include specialist courts and tribunals that exist in the various hierarchies, e.g. the Family Court of Australia.

5. There are no District Courts in the Commonwealth, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.

6. Although Norfolk Island is no longer a self-governing territory, its court system has been retained.