Former Supreme Court judge George Hampel dies, age 91

He presided in more than 100 murder trials, but George Hampel is being remembered for far more at the wake of his death, his influence expected to continue for “years to come”.

Former Supreme Court judge George Hampel has died.

Former Supreme Court judge George Hampel has died, aged 91.

The Victorian Bar’s president Georgina Schoff KC said on the organisation’s website that Mr Hampel AM KC signed the Bar Roll in 1958 and was a member for 65 years.

George Hampel presided in more than 100 murder trials, and maintained a passionate interest in the law throughout his retirement.

He worked as a criminal defence barrister and a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1983 to 2000.

Mr Hampel presided in more than 100 murder trials, among them that of Julian Knight over the 1987 Hoddle St in which seven people were shot dead.

Former Supreme Court judge Professor George Hampel, pictured in 2002, has died. Picture: Pic Joe Castro

After retirement, he maintained a passionate interest in the law.

“At the time of his death, he was still an active contributor to the Reader’s Course, where he had taught advocacy for decades,” Ms Schoff wrote.

“He was engaging and urbane and always had a twinkle in his eye.”

Mr Hampel also taught at the Inns of Court in the UK.

“His influence will continue for years to come,” Ms Schoff said.

‘Always had a twinkle in his eye’: George Hampel maintained a passionate interest in law and advocacy into his retirement. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Hampel was born in Poland just before World War Two and left with his family in that period.

He later attended Melbourne High School and did his law degree at Melbourne University.

Mt Hampel’s funeral will be held at Carousel in Albert Park this Friday from 10.30am.