Reading cases

It is important to understand the structure of a case - particularly when you want to cite from that case. It is particularly vital that you understand what part of a case report is the actual judicial decision and what parts are added by the reporter (publisher of the report) as supporting material.

There are two main parts of a reported case:

• The decision (the words of the judge or judges involved)
• The supporting material (everything else).

When citing a case you should only cite material from the decision.

Remember the hierarchy of report series at AGLC  rule 2.2.2 - the authorised report series should always be used and cited where available. 

Look through the information contained below and then attempt the two practice activities to check your knowledge.

Adapted with permission from Charles Sturt University Library

Locate the full text of the following authorised law report - Moore v Scenic Tours Pty Ltd (2020) 268 CLR 326.

Hint: Make sure you search in the correct database for the report series: check the Online Case Reports list for the correct database.

Answer the questions below to help you understand the structure of a case.

Locate the full text of the following authorised law report - Mirvac Victoria Pty Ltd v Liszka (2019) 61 VR 527.

Hint: Make sure you search in the correct database for the report series: check the Online Case Reports list for the correct database.

Answer the questions below to help you understand the structure of a case.