Justice Christopher Maxwell has earned great respect as a leader both in supporting human rights and civil liberties and in reforming the court appeals process.
Now, as he marks a decade as president of Victoria's Court of Appeal, Justice Maxwell's service to the law and judiciary is being recognised with his appointment as a companion (AC) of the Order of Australia.
Justice Maxwell says he is greatly honoured by the award.
"Victoria's courts have increasingly become agents of change in the justice system, and I have been fortunate to be able to play a part in that process," he said.
"In collaboration with the legal profession and state agencies, we have been able to initiate important law reform, especially in the area of criminal justice, with the legislative simplification of jury directions, improvements in the quality of forensic evidence and a dramatic reduction in delays in criminal appeals.
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"I am pleased to have been able to contribute to these court-led reforms."
Before his appointment to the Victorian Supreme Court and as Appeals Court president, Justice Maxwell's roles included commissioner of the Legal Aid Commission and president of Liberty Victoria.
It was while he was president that Liberty Victoria famously took on the federal government over the detention of 433 asylum seekers rescued by the captain of the Norwegian freighter Tampa.
His Queen's Birthday honour also recognises his contributions to legal education and professional development.
