Tuesday, 28 July 2020
The Law Society is saddened to hear of the passing of the Honourable Justice Michael Murray AM QC, a highly valued and longstanding supporter of the Law Society who also served as President in 1988 and became a Life Member in 2012.
Law Society President Nicholas van Hattem said, “The Honourable Justice Michael Murray was a giant in the legal profession. We remember him for his sound judgment, human approach to sentencing and significant law reform work. He set an example to all, showing great dedication, enthusiasm and integrity, and was held in the highest regard by all members of the legal profession in Western Australia. On behalf of the Law Society, our members and staff I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Dale and their family.”
Justice Murray devoted his professional career to the service of the State of Western Australia since his graduation and admission in 1965. He served as Crown prosecutor between 1973 and 1980, was appointed Crown Counsel in 1980 and Queen’s Counsel in 1984.
Shortly after he was appointed Crown Counsel in 1980, he reviewed the Criminal Code, a review which resulted in two volumes of more than 650 pages, with many recommendations enacted by Government.
Justice Murray was the first Crown Law Officer to lead a law society or bar association when, in 1988, he became President of the Law Society. In 1989, he was the first Senior Counsel to serve as a Commissioner of the Supreme Court.
He was appointed a member of the Supreme Court in 1990 and served as a Judge of the Supreme Court for 22 years, until his retirement as a Senior Judge in 2012.
Justice Murray was appointed Parliamentary Inspector of the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) in 2013.
Justice Murray was also a Fellow of the Australasian Academy of Law; life member of the Judicial Conference of Australia; and life member of the Law Association of WA and WA Bar Association.
– ENDS –
For comment please contact:
Madeleine McErlain
Marketing and Communications Manager
(08) 9324 8650
mmcerlain@lawsocietywa.asn.au
The Law Society of Western Australia is the peak professional association for lawyers in the State. The Society is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the representation of its more than 4,000 members. The Society enhances the legal profession through its position as a respected leader and contributor on law reform, access to justice and the rule of law. The Society is widely acknowledged by the legal profession, government and the community as the voice of the legal profession in Western Australia.
