The latest issue of The Australian Law Journal features special articles on the retirement of The Hon R S French AC, the 12th Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. See below for a preview of this special edition, with subscriber links through to the full-text on Westlaw AU.

Illustration: Simon Fieldhouse

Sections:

Current Issues – ALJ General Editor: Justice François Kunc

Retirement of Chief Justice Robert French.

Constitutional Law – Editor: Anne Twomey

The constitutional legacy of the High Court under Chief Justice French.

Articles:

Chief Justice Robert French AC – Chief Justice Wayne Martin

The Hon Wayne Martin AC, Chief Justice of Western Australia, has enjoyed a long personal friendship and many professional associations with the Hon Robert French AC. In this article the author records the life and career of his fellow Western Australian.

Appearing in the French Court – Justice Stephen McLeish

The Hon Justice Stephen McLeish is a judge of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. As counsel he often appeared in the High Court, particularly during his term as Solicitor-General for Victoria from 2011 to 2015.

The High Court under Chief Justice Robert French – Harry Hobbs, Andrew Lynch and George Williams

On Chief Justice Robert French’s retirement from the High Court of Australia, it is appropriate to reflect on his impact and legacy. In this article we first revisit the circumstances of Chief Justice French’s appointment, before offering an overview of the dynamics of the French Court, noting the patterns of decision-making that emerged during his tenure.