The formation of the High Court of Australia came after the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, which necessitated a unified judicial system to uphold the new Constitution. On this historic occasion in Melbourne, the court's first sitting marked its entry into Australian legal history. Chief Justice John Henry Higgins presided over the session, alongside the other justices, including Edward McTiernan, who would later become notable figures in Australian law. The court convened in the Melbourne's Federal Court building, a decision that emphasized the city's role as the nation's temporary capital until 1927.

The High Court was tasked with significant responsibilities, including the interpretation of laws, the power to adjudicate disputes between state and federal governments, and the protection of individual rights under the Constitution. It was envisioned to ensure that federal laws would be upheld uniformly across Australia, reinforcing the rule of law in the new nation.

The establishment of the High Court not only represented a commitment to maintaining a balanced governance structure but also acknowledged the judiciary's critical role in democracy. Over the years, the High Court has made landmark decisions on issues ranging from Indigenous rights and immigration policies to economic regulations, thus shaping the legal landscape of Australia profoundly. With its inaugural session, the court set the tone for the judicial independence that continues to define Australia's legal system today.