Gleeson CJ Swearing in CER

The proceedings involved the swearing-in of the Honourable Anthony Murray Gleeson, AC, as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. The ceremony took place on Friday, 22 May 1998, and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including past Chief Justices of the High Court, Chief Justices of other Australian courts, members of the judiciary, and representatives from the legal profession, such as the Attorney-General for the Commonwealth, Solicitors-General, and Presidents of Bar Associations.

The central legal issue was the formal appointment and induction of the new Chief Justice into office. This involved the presentation of the commission of appointment, the reading of the commission, and the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and of Office to the appointee. The proceedings were conducted under the authority of the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and pursuant to section 72 of the Constitution.

Justice Gaudron, on behalf of the Justices of the Court, presided over the ceremony, formally announcing the commencement of Chief Justice Gleeson's term. The commission, signed by Governor-General William Deane and countersigned by Attorney-General Daryl Williams, detailed the appointment and its duration. Following the administration of the oaths, Justice Gaudron congratulated Chief Justice Gleeson and invited him to take his seat and commence his duties. The Attorney-General then delivered a speech on behalf of the Government and the people of Australia, offering congratulations and acknowledging Chief Justice Gleeson's distinguished career and the respect he commands within the legal community.