Victoria was separated from New South Wales and established as a colony in 1851. The Supreme Court of Victoria was formed the following year. Since opening in 1884, this Renaissance Revival structure with its impressive dome has served the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court Library and the Court of Appeal. Collectively, they are called the Melbourne Law Courts. The Chief Justice, President plus 60 judges in the Court of Appeal and the Trial Division have the state’s highest authority but are inferior to the High Court of Australia. Adjacent judicial facilities are the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and the County Court of Victoria.
