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Michael Kirby

July

Justice James Edelman

The High Court’s youngest judge is its new contrarian

James Edelman was once mistaken for a drinks waiter by a fellow judge at a cocktail party, now he’s arguably the High Court’s most interesting justice.

  • Michael Pelly

New Michael Kirby building takes law students ‘into the light’

The new Macquarie University Law School, designed by architectural practice Hassell, brings the legal faculty to the centre of the campus and into the light.

  • Stephen Todd

June

Sir Gerard Brennan of the High Court

The man who made ‘saintly’ judge lose his cool

A biography of Sir Gerard Brennan reveals the family man who will be remembered for his Mabo judgment.

  • Michael Pelly

April

Sam Mostyn Australia’s next governor-general.

The new governor-general - in her own words

Sam Mostyn has been one of Australia’s most influential company directors for many years, shaping policies on gender, climate and First Nations issues.

  • Hannah Wootton

October 2021

The Lindt cafe siege was one of the terrorist attacks that prompted the introduction of new national security laws in Australia.

Safety v freedom: setting the boundaries for Australia’s security laws

In the 20 years since 9/11, more than 130 new national security laws have been enacted, introducing serious challenges for the courts.

  • James Renwick
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June 2021

Michael Kirby v Geoffrey Robertson on the dismissal and the republic

After the release of the Palace Papers failed to settle lingering questions over the Queen’s role in the Whitlam government’s dismissal, two famous lawyers keep the debate raging.

  • Michael Pelly

March 2021

Reputation for collegiality: Justice Jacqueline Gleeson at her swearing in ceremony

Will Jacqueline Gleeson join the High Court’s dominant group?

The High Court’s new judges will determine the direction of the court for the next decade.

  • Michael Pelly
Christian Porter was forced to reveal himself as the minister subject to allegations.

Without presumption of innocence we are on shifting sands

It is dangerous to call for inquiries which stand outside the law that alone decides between guilt and innocence.

  • Arthur Moses

September 2020

Melbourne property barrister Nimal Wikramanayake, QC.

Nimal Wikramanayake pens tell-all

"Most lawyers [write memoirs] full of the great things they've done. Mine is full of racism and rudeness."

  • Myriam Robin

July 2019

Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby says he may take the plunge and marry his partner Johan on their 50th anniversary.

Kirby calls for urgent boost to archives funding

Retired High Court justice Michael Kirby has urged an inquiry to push for urgent funding increases to enhance and expedite the digitisation of hard copy papers, photographs, video and film.

  • Tom McIlroy

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/person/michael-kirby-4eq