Ceremonial - Remarks of Final Sitting of Gaudron J - Sydney S00/2002

This matter concerns remarks made by Mr T.E.F. Hughes, QC, the senior practitioner present, during the final sitting of Justice Gaudron in Sydney before her retirement from the High Court of Australia. The remarks were made on behalf of the Bar to express farewell and good wishes to Justice Gaudron.

The occasion did not involve the determination of legal issues or disputes between parties in the conventional sense. Instead, the focus was on acknowledging the distinguished service of Justice Gaudron to the High Court and the legal profession.

Mr Hughes highlighted Justice Gaudron's directness, clarity, and ability to identify the core of legal problems, drawing a comparison to Lord Reid. He also commended her strict adherence to legal principle in her judgments. Justice Gaudron, in turn, expressed her gratitude to the Bar for their assistance through argument and research during her tenure.