Michael Kirby to address UNSW forum

The High Court's 'great dissenter', Justice Michael Kirby, will address a public forum at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) on Monday 11 August.

The address will be one of the last public speeches by Justice Kirby before his retirement next year.

Justice Kirby has served on the High Court for 12 years and in that time has become known as the 'great dissenter' for his non-conforming views and his support of judicial activism.

His address to the UNSW Law Society Speakers' Forum is titled 'Interpretation of words - the most important task judges now perform'. Justice Kirby will take questions on or outside the topic at the conclusion of the talk.

Forum organiser Carolyn Dorrian says the address promises to be a lively event.

"Justice Kirby has a reputation for giving interesting and provocative talks on the role of the Court and his support for judicial activism.

"We are privileged to have Justice Kirby agree to speak at this Law Society event. We would like to thank him for his participation and for the stimulation and motivation he provides to students everywhere, especially law students," she says.

WHAT: Diversity of Opinion Defends Justice - UNSW Law Society Speakers' Forum WHERE: Law Theatre, UNSW Law Building, Kensington CampusWHEN: 6pm, Monday 11 August, 2008

The forum is open to the public and media.

*Justice Kirby will return to UNSW on 9 September to be awarded an honorary degree, and to give the occasional address at the Faculty of Law's degree ceremony.

Contacts: Carolyn Dorrian | 0410 920 640 | Eric White | 0423 778 279 | Christopher Chong | 0433 297 838|

Media contact: Steve Offner | 9385 8107 or 0424 580 208 | s.offner@unsw.edu.au

*Photo courtesy of the High Court website