Former Chief Justice looks back on court history on 96th birthday

Former Chief Justice Austin Asche reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Territory’s highest court moving into its new digs in State Square the day after celebrating his own 96th birthday.

Former Chief Justice Austin Asche with his dog Freya on his 96th birthday. Picture: Glenn Campbell

JURORS in two trials due to begin in the Supreme Court in Darwin on Monday may find themselves raising a cup of tea to former Chief Justice Austin Asche as they enjoy the modern comforts of the building.

Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the Territory’s highest court moving into its new digs in State Square the day after celebrating his own 96th birthday, Mr Asche said he made sure the building’s architects kept jurors front of mind.

“I’ve seen so many jury rooms in other courts where they’re really just a narrow room with a table and 12 chairs and it’s a bit hard,” he said.

“You’re asking decent citizens to perform a very important duty and you’re making them very uncomfortable.

“The only problem (now), I’m told, is that sometimes they’re so comfortable that they say ‘Oh well, we’ve decided but let’s have a cup of tea first and wait half an hour.”