From the Editors

Welcome to the March Quarterly Issue Of Hearsay.

Hearsay welcomes John Meredith – formerly Deputy Editor – as Co-Editor of Hearsay.

In this Issue, the lead article – ‘Cross-Examination – Planning, Purpose and When to Stop!’ – is exceptional. It has been compiled by a team of senior criminal barristers who have provided their insights on the art of cross-examination. Organising the production of this article is no mean feat; our thanks go to Elizabeth Kelso of counsel and Andrew Hoare KC for so doing. The result is a resource that will be useful to all members, whether practising in the criminal or civil spaces.

This Issue’s featured artwork is a projection upon what the reader will readily recognise as the William Jolly Bridge, by night. Such artwork was created in 2020 as part of the Museum of Brisbane retrospective exhibition titled ‘New Woman’, an exhibition celebrating the work of ‘Ground-Breaking Female Artists’ of Brisbane origin. The featured artist – Brisbane raised Emma Coulter – is now based in Melbourne. A catalogue of her work is included. 

Hearsay’s interviewee in ‘10 Minutes With …’ is Amanda O’Brien, the recently appointed Principal Registrar of the Supreme, District and Land Courts. Solicitor Ms O’Brien provides insight into the challenging issues entailed in managing the administration of, and modernising, state courts in Queensland.

Obituaries are included for the Honourable Alan Demack AO and James (Jim) Crowley RFD KC. Alan and Jim contributed enormously to the bar and judiciary. The obituary for Alan is written by the Honourable Duncan McMeekin KC, while that for Jim is written by his son, barrister Joseph (Joe) Crowley.

Tony Morris KC – in a thought provoking article – considers the question ‘What is an Executive Order?’.  So much is a current issue having regard to the raft of such orders made by President Donald Trump upon him recently returning to Presidential office. Barrister Dr Stephen Lee writes an interesting paper on the first Chief Justice of the United States of America, John Jay.

The ‘Regional Bar’ section item is titled ‘Barristers in Military Service’, by barrister Dr Dominic Katter, concerning counsel who have served in the military – as active service personnel and as lawyers – in Australia and overseas. Dominic interviews Association members Major General (and barrister) David Thomae AM and Air Commodore (and District Court judge) Michael Burnett AM. Each discusses their military backgrounds, coupled with the history of other members who serve – and have served – in military roles.

The ‘Words from the Past’ section includes an excellent 2020 paper ‘How to Lose a Case’ by the late Edmund King QC of the UK bar (penned shortly prior to his premature death), together with a 2016 paper by Queensland barrister Simon Couper KC on ‘Cross-Examination Basics’. Each is a ‘must read’ classic.

The ‘Reviews and the Arts’ section comprises extensive reviews of recent books – in the legal space and wider spaces – together with reviews of art and other disciplines. Thanks to Stephen Keim SC for his continuing editorial (and written) work in this section.

The ‘Advocacy’ section comprises consideration of a number of recent decisions on substantive law. The ‘Inter Alia’ section comprises a raft of disparate items, including ‘Mintie and Friends’ – this Issue having a Mexican slant to it – and the usual ‘Language’ titbits.

We thank the raft of contributors to this Issue of Hearsay. We invite contributions to future quarterly Issues.

Thanks also to our diligent editorial team of Philip O’Higgins KC, Carolyn Conway and Seraphina Noble. We also welcome Philip as deputy editor.

Richard Douglas KCJohn MeredithEditors

We do request your contributions to the editors, deputy editor or editorial team:

Editor – Richard Douglas KC (T: 3218 0620; M: 0417 788 713; E: douglas@callinanchambers.com).Editor – John Meredith (T: 3218 0650; M: 0403 278 585; E: jmeredith@callinanchambers.com). Deputy Editor – Philip O’Higgins KC (T: 3232 2122; M: 0417 997 725;  E: philip.ohiggins@carbolic.com.au);Sub-Editor – Stephen Kiem SC (T: 3229 0381; M: 0433 846 518; E: s.keim@higginschambers.com.au) book and podcast reviews.Editorial Team – Carolyn Conway (T: 3229 2631; M: 0407 757 780;  E: conwaycj@jeddart.com) and Seraphina Noble (T: 3210 6537; M: 0447 224 754;  E: snoble@qldbar.asn.au)