Anthony Mason (judge)

Sir Anthony Frank Mason AC KBE GBM QC (born 29 April 1925) is a distinguished Australian jurist who served as the ninth Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, from 1987 to 1995.

Mason graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1951 and quickly established a successful practice. He served as Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia from 1964 to 1969, advising the government on complex legal matters.

In 1969, Mason was appointed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal. In 1972, he was appointed to the High Court of Australia, becoming one of its longest-serving justices before being elevated to Chief Justice in 1987.

As Chief Justice, Mason presided over a period of significant legal and social change. He was known for his intellectual rigor, his commitment to legal principle, and his influence on the development of Australian constitutional law. The Mason Court delivered landmark judgments in areas such as administrative law, freedom of speech, and Indigenous land rights, shaping the legal landscape of Australia.

After retiring from the High Court in 1995, Mason remained active in public life. He has served as a non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. He has also been involved in various national and international organizations, contributing his expertise in law and governance.

Mason's contributions to Australian law have been widely recognized. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1972, a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 1988, and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GBM) in 1995. He is considered one of Australia's most influential legal figures.