Ceremonial - French CJ - Welcome Melbourne

The proceedings involved the welcome of the Honourable Chief Justice Robert Shenton French to Melbourne by representatives of the Victorian legal profession. Mr J. Digby, QC, Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council, and Mr A. Burke, President of the Law Institute of Victoria, delivered addresses to the Chief Justice. These addresses were part of a tradition to welcome a new Chief Justice to each High Court Registry and to introduce the Justice to the profession of each State.

The central legal issues were not in dispute, as this was a ceremonial occasion. The purpose of the addresses was to acknowledge the Chief Justice's appointment and to offer a biographical recitation and personal reflections on his distinguished career. The addresses also served to introduce the Chief Justice to the legal community in Victoria and to offer light-hearted advice on navigating local customs and practices.

The reasoning and principles applied were those of tradition, respect, and professional collegiality. Mr Digby and Mr Burke highlighted Chief Justice French's extensive legal career, including his early work with the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, his time in private practice and at the Bar, his 22 years of service on the Federal Court, and his various other judicial and institutional roles. They spoke of his dedication, talent for institution-building, and broad interests. The Chief Justice, in his response, acknowledged the warmth of the welcome, the familiarity of the Victorian legal profession to him, and his family connections to the State. He also reflected on the national character of the legal profession and the intellectual vibrancy of Melbourne's legal community.