History of Supreme Court of New South Wales in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 23, 2025

The Supreme Court of New South Wales is the highest court in the Australian state of New South Wales. It possesses unlimited jurisdiction in civil cases within the state and presides over the most severe criminal cases. Although it is the highest court in New South Wales, appeals can be made to the High Court of Australia with special leave.

1902: Operates under Constitution Act

The court now operates under the Constitution Act in 1902.

1911: Admiralty jurisdiction added

In 1911, the Supreme Court was granted full Admiralty jurisdiction.

1930: Street family serves as Chief Justice

Since 1930, three generations of the Street family have served New South Wales as Chief Justice.

1970: Operates under Supreme Court Act

The court now operates under the Supreme Court Act in 1970.

1972: Fusion of Equity and Common Law

In 1972, the Supreme Court was one of the last Common Law jurisdictions to fuse the administration of Equity and Common Law.

1976: Sydney Law Courts building completed

In 1976, the New South Wales Government completed construction of the Sydney Law Courts building.

1977: RAIA Merit Award

In 1977, the Sydney Law Courts building received an RAIA Merit Award.

1992: Judicial officers incorporated into the state's Constitution

In 1992, provisions on the appointment and removal of judicial officers were incorporated into the state's Constitution.

April 1999: All-female bench throws out computer hacker appeal

In April 1999, Supreme Court Judges Carolyn Simpson, Margaret Beazley, and Virginia Bell, sitting as an all-female bench in the Court of Criminal Appeal in Sydney, threw out an appeal from a convicted computer hacker who had been posting offensive messages. It was noted that at the time, there had never been an all-female bench in England or New Zealand.

April 1999: Building added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register

On 2 April 1999, the inaugural Supreme Court building, also known as the Greenway Wing, was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

April 1999: Old Registry Building listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register

On 2 April 1999, the second structure to house the Court, known as the Old Registry Building, was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.