description Virginia Bell Overview
Virginia Bell is an Australian retired jurist who served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 2009 to 2020. Throughout her legal career, she established a prominent reputation in criminal law and civil liberties, eventually becoming the first woman appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal in 1999. Following her retirement from the High Court, she continued to contribute to public service, notably conducting a 2022 inquiry into former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's secret ministerial appointments.
help Virginia Bell FAQ
What kinds of cases did Virginia Bell handle before joining the High Court?
Virginia Bell worked as a lawyer in criminal and public-interest matters before becoming a judge. She later served on the Supreme Court of New South Wales and, from 1999, became the first woman appointed to the state's Court of Appeal.
When did Virginia Bell serve on the High Court of Australia?
Bell joined the High Court in 2009 and retired in 2021 upon reaching the constitutionally mandated retirement age. She succeeded Justice Michael Kirby.
Why was Virginia Bell's Court of Appeal appointment significant?
Her 1999 appointment made her the first woman to sit on the New South Wales Court of Appeal. That court is the state's highest appellate court for civil matters.
Did Virginia Bell work for the Aboriginal Legal Service?
Yes, early in her legal career Bell worked with the Redfern Aboriginal Legal Service in Sydney. That experience formed part of a career strongly associated with criminal law and access to justice.
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