Harry Gibbs
Sir Harry Talbot Gibbs AC GCMG KBE PC QC (7 February 1917 – 25 June 2005) was Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1981 to 1987 after serving as a member of the High Court between 1970 and 1981. He was known as one of Australia's leading federalist judges although he presided over the High Court when decisions such as Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen in 1982 and Commonwealth v Tasmania expanded the powers of the Commonwealth at the expense of the states. Gibbs dissented from the majority verdict in both cases. On 3 August 2012, the Supreme Court of Queensland Library opened the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre. It is the only legal heritage museum of its kind in Queensland and features a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of Sir Harry Gibbs.
The Right Honourable Sir Harry Gibbs AC GCMG KBE PC QC | |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice of Australia | |
| In office 12 February 1981 – 5 February 1987 | |
| Nominated by | Malcolm Fraser |
| Appointed by | Zelman Cowen |
| Preceded by | Sir Garfield Barwick |
| Succeeded by | Sir Anthony Mason |
| Justice of the High Court of Australia | |
| In office 4 August 1970 – 12 February 1981 | |
| Appointed by | John Gorton |
| Preceded by | Sir Frank Kitto |
| Succeeded by | Sir Gerard Brennan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 February 1917 Sydney, Australia |
| Died | 25 June 2005 (aged 88) Sydney, Australia |
| Relations | Wylie Gibbs (brother) |