“Justice is blind” they say. But look closely at the bronze Lady Justice above the William Street entrance of the Supreme Court of Victoria. She isn’t blindfolded. She gazes out over Melbourne. This majestic building. A symbol of justice in Victoria.
The Supreme Court of Victoria. Established in 1852. Before that the highest court for this area was all the way in New South Wales. Imagine the journeys people made for justice. For years legal battles stretched across vast distances. The establishment of this court in 1852 marked a significant moment. Victoria finally had its own highest court.
This magnificent building stands tall. Its construction lasted from 1874 to 1884. A huge undertaking at the time. The largest single building project in the whole country. The architects Smith and Johnson won the design competition. A small controversy arose. Johnson was on the judging panel. He later resigned and partnered with Smith. This impressive structure. A classical Renaissance Revival style. Built from brick Tasmanian freestone and Malmsbury bluestone. The design is said to have been inspired by the Four Courts building in Dublin.
Within these walls countless dramas have unfolded. Murder trials. Civil disputes over vast sums of money. Appeals that challenged decisions from lower courts. The Supreme Court of Victoria handles major cases. It’s the highest court in the state. Only the High Court of Australia stands above it. Its two divisions. The Trial Division and the Court of Appeal. The Trial Division handles original jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal deals with appeals.
Historically the Supreme Court handled all sorts of cases. Equity lunacy divorce and insolvency. Some of these jurisdictions moved to the Commonwealth over time. For instance divorce cases went to the Federal Family Court in 1976. But the Supreme Court remains a vital cornerstone of the Victorian justice system. Its legacy stretches back to before Victoria’s separation from New South Wales. Through decades of change its role endures.
Judges have come and gone. The Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal. Numerous Judges of Appeal and Puisne Judges. Each playing a vital role in upholding the law. The court maintains a presence in other Victorian cities. Judges travel on circuit to Ballarat Bendigo Geelong and more. Bringing justice closer to communities across the state. They use the facilities of local Magistrates’ Courts.
As you stand here. Feel the weight of history. The significance of this place. The Supreme Court of Victoria. More than just a building. It’s a testament to the pursuit of justice. A guardian of the rule of law in Victoria. A place where the stories of Melbourne unfold. A legacy of decisions. Large and small shaping the course of Victorian life.