Lionel Murphy

“The doctrine of precedent is not a straitjacket. A court, and especially a final court of appeal, is not bound by its own previous decisions.”

“The purpose of the law of contempt is not to protect the dignity of the judges, but to protect the administration of justice.”

“The great judges have been the creative ones.”

“Freedom of communication is a fundamental right of the people.”

“In an organised community, the rights of the individual are not absolute. They are limited by the rights of others and by the needs of society.”

“The Constitution is not a document for the exclusive use of legal experts. It is for the people.”

“The law should be a living force for justice, not a collection of dead rules.”

“Trial by jury is one of the great pillars of liberty.”

“Throughout the history of the common law, the major developments have been made by judges who were activist and creative, who adapted the law to the needs of the time.”

“Religious freedom is a fundamental element of a democratic society.”

“If the Parliament is not to be a rubber stamp, it should have the resources to check the Executive.”

“Secrecy in government is a fertile ground for corruption.”

“The essence of the jury's function is to represent the community in the administration of justice.”

“Human rights are not a discovery of our age. They have been asserted through history by those who have struggled against tyranny and injustice.”