The Justice Project was set up in 2004 by Kurt Esser, The Right Honorable Malcolm Fraser, Julian Burnside QC, Young Australian of the Year (2004) Hugh Evans and others.

The Justice Project Inc. was incorporated as a not for profit company under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. It maintains an office, has an ABN and is the recipient of donated funds.

It is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and, although not required by law to do so, it will publish its accounts. Its public officer is Tom Foote who is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.