Law as a Force for Social Change: Reflections of Justice Michael Kirby

The lecture will explore significant legal and social developments, including the struggle for LGBTI+ equality, alongside other landmark issues that arose during Justice Kirby’s time on the High Court of Australia and his broader career. Through a combination of personal reflections and concrete legal examples, Justice Kirby will examine the capacity of law to challenge prejudice, protect human dignity, and respond to changing social values.

After lecture drinks and nibbles will be provided from 7.00pm - 7.45pm.

Justice Michael Donald Kirby AC CMG is one of the most distinguished jurists of the modern common law world. Across a career spanning more than six decades, he has exercised profound influence upon the law, particularly human rights law and law reform.

After practising as a solicitor and barrister, Justice Kirby became the youngest person appointed to federal judicial office in Australia in 1974. He later served as inaugural Chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission before progressing through senior judicial appointments, culminating in his service as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, Australia's apex court, from 1996 until 2009. He was the first openly gay judge appointed to an apex court anywhere in the world. Beyond judicial office, he has held leading roles within numerous international institutions including the International Commission of Jurists and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

He is visiting New Zealand to commemorate the 40th anniversary of homosexual law reform.

Justice Michael Kirby's visit is generously sponsored by the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation and Adhikaar Aotearoa.