Chief Justice of Victoria facts for kids

The Chief Justice of Victoria is the most important judge in the Australian state of Victoria. They lead the Supreme Court of Victoria, which is the highest court in the state. This means they are in charge of both the legal decisions and how the court is run. They make sure the court's work is organised and set its rules.

The current Chief Justice is Anne Ferguson. She was chosen by Governor Linda Dessau and started her role on 2 October 2017. She took over from Marilyn Warren.

What Does a Chief Justice Do?

The Chief Justice is the top judge in Victoria. They are the head of the Supreme Court of Victoria. This court handles very serious cases and appeals from lower courts.

The Chief Justice has two main jobs:

• Judicial Head: They hear important cases and make legal decisions. They are a highly respected legal expert.
• Administrative Head: They manage the court's daily operations. This includes setting up court schedules and making sure the court runs smoothly. They also help create the rules and procedures for how cases are handled.

History of the Chief Justice Role

The role of Chief Justice has been very important in Victoria for a long time. The first Chief Justice was William à Beckett. He started his term on 19 January 1852. This was even before Victoria officially became a separate colony.

Over the years, many different judges have held this important position. Each Chief Justice has helped shape the legal system in Victoria. They have made sure that justice is served fairly for everyone.

The Current Chief Justice: Anne Ferguson

The current Chief Justice of Victoria is Anne Ferguson. She was appointed to this role in 2017. Before becoming Chief Justice, she was a judge in the Court of Appeal.

Her appointment was a significant moment for the state's legal system. As Chief Justice, she continues to lead the Supreme Court. She ensures that the court works effectively and serves the people of Victoria.

Images for kids

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  William à Beckett, the first Chief Justice of Victoria.

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  William Stawell, the second Chief Justice.

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  George Higinbotham.

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  John Madden.

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  William Irvine.

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  Edmund Herring.

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  Henry Winneke.

See also

• Judiciary of Australia
• Supreme Court of Victoria