There has been a Supreme Court in Victoria since 1841. In the 175 years since controversial Judge John Willis convened those first sittings, the court has played a crucial role in the constitutional structure of Victoria. The history of the court is a window on the people and events that have shaped the history of the state.

Copiously illustrated, Judging for the People brings together that social history for the first time. Commissioned by the Chief Justice, it contains robust contributions from thirteen distinguished law and history scholars. Together they canvass topics as diverse as the pioneering and influential judges themselves, the first lawyers, the unsung heroes of the court, the changing nature of the courtrooms and buildings, the divorce jurisdiction, the death penalty, the circuit court, forensic medicine and the role of the court reporter. The research by these scholars brings a new and different perspective to the place of the Supreme court in the community. Along the way it brings to light previously untold stories, such as Richard Mc Garvie’s 1984 ‘incendiary letter’, which led to structural change in the leadership of the Court.

Judging for the People is a celebration of 175 years of the Supreme Court and a further step in its evolution.
Includes bibliographical references and index.