Law and politics in McCawley's case / Nicholas Aroney.

Brisbane : Supreme Court Library Queensland 2018

202042

McCawley, Thomas William, -- Judge, -- appointed 1917-1922.

The appointment of Thomas William McCawley to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1917 was a decision destined to provoke controversy. The challenge to his appointment was based on what were called 'purely legal and constitutional grounds', but personal motives, partisan manoeuvring and ideological goals were never far from the surface. -- The case was heard by the Supreme Court, the High Court of Australia and ultimately the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, and involved several layers of constitutional controversy. -- McCawley ultimately won the case and was soon after appointed Chief Justice. Sadly, he did not live long to enjoy it—he died three years later while rushing to catch a train at Roma Street Station.

Professor Nicholas Aroney, 'Law and politics in McCawley's case', 2018 Selden Society Lecture 5 given at the Banco Court, Brisbane, 22 Nov 2018

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