Wentworth v New South Wales Bar Association

The High Court of Australia considered an application by the appellant, Ms. Wentworth, for a variation of a costs order previously made on 3 June 1992, following the dismissal of her appeal. The respondent was the New South Wales Bar Association.

The sole legal issue before the Court was whether there were sufficient grounds to depart from the usual rule that costs follow the event, which would mean the unsuccessful party (Ms. Wentworth) would bear the costs of the successful party (the Bar Association).

The Court, constituted by Justices Deane, Dawson, Toohey, Gaudron, and Brennan, reviewed the written submissions of the appellant's solicitors. Finding no good reason to deviate from the standard practice, the Court determined that the original costs order should remain in effect. The Court published a note of its decision.