A full house is expected at Bond University’s Cerum Theatre when retired High Court judge, the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG presents the inaugural Michael Jones Lecture on Friday, November 4.
The Michael Jones Lecture is an initiative of Bond University’s Centre for Law, Governance and Public Policy.
Michael Jones was a criminal defence lawyer who was active in the campaign against mandatory sentencing in the Northern Territory.
Professor Patrick Keyzer, Director of the Centre explained Justice Kirby was invited to deliver the lecture because of his long-standing involvement in human rights.
“Justice Michael Kirby is Australia’s most eminent jurist and advocate of human rights, and human rights are critically important in the criminal trial,” said Professor Keyzer.
“Justice Kirby’s lecture will explain why defence lawyers are so critical to the maintenance of the rule of law in Australia,” he said.
Justice Kirby has visited the Gold Coast campus on numerous occasions, most notably in 2007 when he was one of the first VIP visitors to tour Bond’s multi-million dollar Legal Skills Centre. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bond University in 2009 and is currently serving as Bond’s Distinguished Judge in Residence.
The Michael Jones Lecture will be the highlight of a two-day visit where Justice Kirby will address the Bond community at a number of events.
Key activities during his stay include a presentation to Bond staff and students at The Kirby Dinner, the Law Lunch with staff, students and industry professionals, and a mooting masterclass with Bond’s international award-winning mooting teams.
“Bond Law’s students and staff are privileged to enjoy such a close association with the Honourable Michael Kirby,” said Faculty of Law Dean, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie.
“We are expecting a full house for the Michael Jones Lecture, with close to 500 in attendance, but we particularly appreciate that he will be spending quality one-on-one time with students at events like the Law Students Association afternoon tea and in the mooting masterclass.
“Having the opportunity to meet and learn from someone of his stature and international standing serves as a true inspiration for the next generation of legal professionals who hope to follow in his footsteps,” said Professor Mackenzie.
About Justice Michael Kirby
In a long and distinguished legal career spanning more than 50 years, Michael Kirby served on numerous national and international commissions and human rights organisations.
In 1983, he became the youngest person to be appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia and was Australia’s longest serving High Court judge from 1996 until his retirement in 2009.
He received Australia’s highest civil honour when he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1991 and in the same year was awarded the Human Rights Medal.