Date of Birth: August 30, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: October 21, 1986
Biography
Lionel Keith Murphy was a prominent Australian politician, barrister, and jurist, born on August 30, 1922, in Sydney, New South Wales. He was a significant figure in Australian public life, serving as a Senator for New South Wales and later as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. Murphy was widely recognized for his contributions to social reforms and legal innovations in Australia. Murphy began his career as a barrister after completing his law degree at the University of Sydney. He entered politics in 1961 when he was elected as a Senator for the Australian Labor Party (ALP). As a Senator, he was known for his advocacy for civil liberties, social justice, and legal reforms. One of his notable achievements was the introduction of the Family Law Act 1975, which established the Family Court of Australia and introduced no-fault divorce to the country. In 1972, Murphy was appointed as Attorney-General in the Whitlam Government. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Law Reform Commission and the Trade Practices Act 1974. He also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Australian Legal Aid Office and the Australian Institute of Criminology. Murphy’s career took a significant turn in 1975 when he was appointed as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, a position he held until his death. As a High Court judge, he was known for his progressive judgments and his commitment to human rights and social justice. Lionel Murphy passed away on October 21, 1986, but his legacy lives on through the numerous legal and social reforms he championed.
5 Interesting Facts about Lionel Murphy
1. Lionel Murphy was instrumental in the introduction of the Family Law Act 1975, which reformed divorce laws in Australia.
2. He served as the Attorney-General of Australia from 1972 to 1975 under Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
3. Murphy was a founding member of the Australian Law Reform Commission.
4. He was appointed as a Justice of the High Court of Australia in 1975.
5. Murphy was known for his advocacy for civil liberties and human rights throughout his career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lionel Murphy
1. “The law should be an instrument of justice, not a tool of oppression.”
2. “A society that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.”
3. “True justice cannot exist without fairness and equality before the law.”
4. “Reform is not merely a matter of changing laws but changing hearts and minds.”
5. “The role of a judge is to interpret the law in the light of changing social values.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Lionel Murphy’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but as a high-ranking public servant and jurist, his financial status was modest compared to private sector counterparts.
Children
Lionel Murphy had two children, a son named Cameron Murphy, who is a civil liberties advocate and former President of the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties, and another son named Blake Murphy.
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