Selden Society 2023 lecture series: lecture one Mr Justice Harding - a titan of Queensland law

Selden Society 2023 lecture series: lecture one

Mr Justice Harding—a titan of Queensland law

Presented by John McKenna KC

Thursday 23 March 2023
5.15pm for 5.30pm
Banco Court, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law

Level 3, 415 George Street, Brisbane
(Or join the livestream via Zoom.)

George Rogers Harding (1838–1895) was the 5th Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.  He is most widely known for three aspects of his life. First, he is regarded as one of Queensland’s finest civil lawyers, whose rigorous analytical approach helped to establish the reputation of the Supreme Court.  Secondly, he is remembered for his remarkable fortitude. Overcoming great pain, he insisted upon completing a long civil jury trial, before eventually dying in his chambers. This noble end to a life of public service, provided the inspiration for the first judicial portrait to be commissioned and installed in the Supreme Court. Thirdly, he is known as one of Queensland’s most influential bibliophiles.  As well as writing some of Queensland’s first legal texts, Harding was instrumental in developing a fine collection for the Supreme Court Library. After his death, his extensive personal library provided the foundation for what became the State Library of Queensland.

This Selden Society lecture will examine Harding’s personal and professional life and legacy—together with the developing legal community in which he lived and worked in the late 19th century.

Join us for refreshments in the Portrait Gallery after the lecture.

Register to attend this free lecture in person—please bring your ticket for quick check-in.

We will also be livestreaming the lecture: register to join this lecture via Zoom.

CPD points: 1 point per hour, self-assessed (BAQ and QLS)

For more information:

• visit sclqld.org.au/selden
• phone 1300 SCLQLD (1300 725 753)

Image: The Honourable Mr Justice George Rogers Harding, n.d., Richard Godfrey Rivers