Former Australian High Court Judge the Honourable Michael Kirby was among Bond University’s latest Law Faculty graduates on Saturday 10 October, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his contributions to the legal fraternity.
Michael Kirby received a Doctor of Laws in recognition ‘of his many years of service as a judicial officer, his commitment to upholding human rights and civil liberties and in recognition of his domestic and international stature as an independent and outstanding judge’.
In 1996 Justice Kirby was one of seven judges appointed to Australia’s High Court, a position he held until this year. During an esteemed legal career, he was the inaugural Chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission (1975-1984); served as Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for Human Rights in Cambodia 1993-1996; and was President of the International Commission of Jurists 1995-1998.
Michael Kirby addressed Bond’s latest graduates with an insightful occasional address.
Earlier in the day at the university’s undergraduate ceremony, Bond’s inaugural vice-chancellor, Emeritus Professor Don Watts, will be conferred the title of Doctor of the University. As Bond University this year celebrates its 20th year, Professor Watts receives his honorary doctorate ‘in recognition of his invaluable contribution as its founding Vice-Chancellor and President’.