Fed: Hollywood star in High Court

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2008
Fed: Hollywood star in High Court

By Cathy Alexander

CANBERRA, Aug 29 AAP - Australia's top judge was farewelled today by the cream of the
legal community - and the Incredible Hulk.

Chief Justice Murray Gleeson marked his retirement from office with a formal ceremony
at the High Court in Canberra.

Amid the rows of bewigged lawyers and judges sat Hollywood star Eric Bana, who is perhaps
better known for playing Mark "Chopper" Read and the Hulk than he is for his real-life
role as Chief Justice Gleeson's son-in-law.

Chief Justice Gleeson, nicknamed "the Smiler" for his serious manner in court, did
not seem to mind as his famous relative stole the limelight on his last day.

In fact, Chief Justice Gleeson found it hard to keep the rarely-seen smile off his
face after the ceremony as he mingled with well-wishers, including former prime minister
John Howard, who hired him back in 1998.

The atmosphere inside the courtroom was more ceremonial as the full bench of the High
Court flanked their outgoing boss.

He was commended as a stalwart defender of the independence of the judiciary, a "quick
and deadly" legal practitioner - and a source of the occasional dry wit.

Ross Ray, president of the Law Council of Australia, said Chief Justice Gleeson had
seen off any attempts by outsiders to dominate the court.

"Judicial independence and the supremacy of law are central to your philosophy of law
- and shine through in all you have done and written," Mr Ray said.

He recalled Chief Justice Gleeson's prowess on the tennis court, noting many junior
lawyers worked out it was wisest to lose.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said Chief Justice Gleeson had made a substantial
mark on Australia's legal system.

"You have worked to strengthen judicial institutions and the sense of a national judicial
identity," Mr McClelland said.

For his part, Chief Justice Gleeson stuck with his modus operandi of avoiding activism
and political statements.

"It has been a great privilege to serve as chief justice of this court and of Australia,"

he told the ceremony.

He spoke of the importance of "a spirit of independence" among the legal profession.

He praised the formation of a sense of national identity within the judiciary, helped
by various organisations, colleges and conferences which had been created during his career.

Chief Justice Gleeson will be replaced by Federal Court judge Robert French, who takes
office on Monday.

"I extend to him my warmest wishes for a happy and successful term of office," Chief
Justice Gleeson said.

He must leave office today because he turns 70 tomorrow - and the Constitution says
High Court judges must retire when they turn 70.

AAP ca/jlw/mn

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