2008 Law Oration

The meaning of legislation: context, purpose and respect for fundamental rights

The Hon Murray Gleeson AC was the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australian between 1998 and 2008. Chief Justice Gleeson delivered the Law Oration just prior to his retirement. Prior to his appointment to the High Court, he was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales (1988–98). He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1963 (QC 1974), was President of the New South Wales Bar Association (1984–85) and was Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales (1989–98).