Ceremonial - French CJ - Welcome Adelaide

The proceedings before the High Court of Australia involved a ceremonial welcome to Chief Justice Robert Shenton French upon his first sitting in South Australia. The welcome was extended by Mr J.R. Goldberg, President of the Law Society of South Australia, and Mr M.F. Blue, QC, President of the South Australian Bar. The occasion marked a significant event for the legal profession and the people of South Australia, celebrating the appointment of Chief Justice French to Australia's highest judicial office.

The central issue was the formal acknowledgement and celebration of Chief Justice French's appointment, highlighting his extensive legal career, diverse experiences, and personal qualities. The speakers used the occasion to reflect on the history of the legal profession in South Australia, the nature of judicial appointments, and the importance of the High Court's circuit sittings in reinforcing the federal nature of Australia. They also touched upon the Chief Justice's background, including his scientific education, his early involvement with the Aboriginal Legal Service, his tenure on the Federal Court, and his various other judicial and administrative roles.

In their addresses, Mr Goldberg and Mr Blue detailed Chief Justice French's distinguished career, noting his appointment to the Federal Court at a young age and his subsequent contributions to areas such as native title, competition law, and law reform. They also alluded to his personal attributes, including his intellect, approachability, and engagement with broader societal issues, drawing on anecdotes and public commentary. Chief Justice French, in his response, expressed gratitude for the welcome and offered his own reflections on his career, the legal profession, and the significance of the High Court's presence in South Australia, acknowledging the state's legal history and its contributions to the national judiciary.