Skip to main content
Start of main content.

The Hon Michael Kirby to deliver inaugural Michael Jones lecture

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.
 

More from Bond

  • Khawaja puts Stern defence of cricket formula to the test

    Cricket star Usman Khawaja's MBA mind challenged Professor Steven Stern's defence of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a debate at Bond University.

    Read article
  • A construction degree for the digital age

    Bachelor of Design in Architecture alumnus Ryan McKillop explains why Bond's Master of Building Information Modelling and Integrated Project Delivery was the clear next step to accelerate his career.

    Read article
  • No lab, no problem: Virtual Scientist takes experiments to remote students

    Three Bond University academics have received another accolade for creating an interactive website where students conduct virtual experiments.

    Read article
  • Let the buyer beware of auction loopholes

    Homebuyers can be caught out by a little-known auction loophole. Property expert Professor Alan Patching shares his tips.

    Read article
  • To the uni student who feels like something is missing…

    Starting university is an exciting time, but for Charlotte Gibbs, her first experience at a big uni interstate just didn't feel 'right'. After visiting Bond and the Gold Coast, though, things immediately clicked into place.

    Read article
Previous Next