High Court Justice Robert Beech-Jones delivered a compelling oration titled 'Lawyers and Dictators: Ten Lawyers, and Counting' for the John William Perry AO QC Oration.
The speech reflects on the experiences of ten lawyers, from ancient figures like Demosthenes and Cicero to modern-day advocates, who faced difficult choices under oppressive regimes. Through these historical examples, Justice Beech-Jones explores how lawyers have responded when democratic norms and the rule of law come under threat.