Ceremonial Sitting - Welcome - Edelman J - Melbourne

This matter concerns a ceremonial sitting of the High Court of Australia in Melbourne to welcome The Honourable Justice James Edelman. The proceedings involved addresses by Ms J.J. Batrouney, QC, President of the Victorian Bar, and Ms B. Wilson, President of the Law Institute of Victoria, welcoming Justice Edelman to his first sitting in Melbourne. Justice Edelman also delivered brief remarks.

The legal issues before the court were not substantive in nature, but rather ceremonial. The addresses focused on acknowledging Justice Edelman's distinguished academic and professional background, his prior judicial appointments, and his personal qualities. The purpose was to formally mark his commencement of sittings in Melbourne and to express the legal community's respect and anticipation for his tenure on the High Court.

The addresses highlighted Justice Edelman's impressive career trajectory, including his academic achievements at the University of Western Australia and Oxford University, his practice at the Western Australian and English Bars, and his judicial service on the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the Federal Court of Australia. Both speakers emphasised his scholarly reputation, his dedication to the law, and his personal attributes, such as his work ethic and humility. The underlying principle was the formal recognition and integration of a new Justice into the highest court of the land.

The outcome of the ceremonial sitting was the formal welcome of Justice Edelman to the Melbourne sittings of the High Court. The court then adjourned to reconstitute at 9.30 am.