The Federal Court erred in finding a judge did not have judicial immunity from liability for damages suffered by a Queensland man found to have been wrongfully imprisoned for contempt, an appeals court has been told.
A judge has appealed a ruling that put him on the hook for damages for ordering the wrongful imprisonment of a Queensland man and set off alarm bells and calls for legislation by the nation’s legal bodies.
A retiring judge whose career has included oversight of some of Victoria’s biggest cases has called for reforms to the judicial appointments process to address delays in filling vacancies and gaps in the due diligence of nominees to the court.
A senior barrister with three decades of experience in commercial law and class actions has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria.
A shareholder in Adero Law has brought proceedings seeking access to the law firm’s books and records for the period in which the firm was running numerous underpayment group proceedings.
Legal bodies have expressed alarm at the implications of a ruling that put a judge on the hook for damages for ordering the wrongful imprisonment of a Queensland man and have called for legislative action, but one expert says the judgment is unlikely to open the floodgates.
Two barristers have been elevated to the Federal Court bench, including a silk known for his work in employment class actions.
Outgoing ACT director of public prosecutions Shane Drumgold SC has taken legal action to quash leaked findings from an inquiry led by Walter Sofronoff KC into his conduct in the prosecution of assault claims against Bruce Lehrmann.
The legal community has welcomed the appointment of Justice Stephen Gageler to be the 14th chief justice of the High Court, praising the judge for his “deep humanity” and unmatchable expertise in constitutional law.
The legal sector has welcomed NSW Supreme Court Justice Robert Beech-Jones’ elevation to the highest court in Australia, with former colleagues noting his legal acumen and generosity.