Launched last night, 'Judging for the People: A social history of the Supreme Court of Victoria 1841-2016' is a landmark publication about key events, people and cases that have shaped the Court and State of Victoria today.
Accomplished scholars, historians, members of the Victorian Bar, judges and Court staff are among the contributing authors who tell the Court's tales in this joint collaboration between the Supreme Court and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
The book launch, an intimate affair with past and present judges and special guests gathered, was part of the Court's celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of the first sitting of the Supreme Court in Victoria.
The Chief Justice was joined by Associate Professor Don Garden, President of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, in officially launching the publication. The extraordinary efforts of Simon Smith in helping to realise the publication of the book, within 18 months of first proposing the concept to the Chief Justice were recognised. So too, was the significant financial contribution of a number of organisations who made the production of the book possible: the Legal Services Board, the Victorian Bar, the Law Institute of Victoria and five of Melbourne's oldest law firms - Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, Russell Kennedy and Ashurst.
At the conclusion of the event the Chief Justice was joined by former Supreme Court judges Sir James Gobbo AC CVO KStJ QC, and Justice Barry Beach AM QC, to officially 'flick the switch' to illuminate the magnificent Supreme Court building in a swathe of lights.
The Supreme Court will light up each night at 6pm until the end of Law Week (22 May, 2016), resplendent in shades of red, gold and white. Images projected on the building behind the Library can be seen from the street. A fitting tribute to the Court's 175-year contribution to the rule of law and the State of Victoria.
A special 175 exhibition in the library is currently open to the public in the Supreme Court Library, until the end of July 2016. The exhibition showcases a range of artefacts that highlight some of the significant cases and colourful characters, and span the history of the Court.
Copies of the book can be ordered from the Supreme Court Library 03 9603 6282.
Follow the celebrations on Twitter and Facebook with #SCV175.
Photos from the launch
ABOVE: The Chief Justice with former Supreme Court judges Sir James Gobbo AC CVO KStJ QC, and Justice Barry Beach AM QC.
ABOVE: The Supreme Court lit up in shades of red, gold and white. Photo courtesy Norm Oorloff.
ABOVE: Aerial view of the Supreme Court. Photo courtesy Norm Oorloff.