This Friday 17 May marks the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court of NSW by the Third Charter of Justice. Two days later, the Supreme Court admitted its first solicitors before the founding Chief Justice of NSW – and drafter of the Charter – Sir Francis Forbes.

I won’t go into the beginnings of the justice system on this continent here. That is ably recounted in the magnificent book published by the Court, in recognition of its bicentenary, Constant Guardian: Changing Times. It can be purchased here, with the option of picking it up from the Law Society’s offices on Phillip Street.

This weighty but entertaining volume is just one of the ways the Supreme Court is enabling the profession to engage with its bicentenary.

Members are welcome to attend an all-faith ecumenical service on the eve of the bicentenary this Thursday 16 May at 6pm at St James Church. The following morning at 9.15am, the Chief Justice will lead a ceremonial sitting in the Banco Court. Seating may be tight, but the proceedings will be livestreamed to an overflow in Court 13A as well as the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel.

The formalities in the Banco Court give way to a lighter note on 30 and 31 May at 7pm when former Supreme Court Justice Peter Hidden AM conducts an updated version of Gilbert and Sillivan’s Trial by Jury. Members can book through the NSW Bar Association here for that performance.

If you’re in a position to participate in any of the above, I encourage you to do so, echoing the sentiments expressed by the Governor, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley, at the launch of Constant Guardian: “[The bicentenary] has provided the occasion for the Court to remind itself of its purpose as the third arm of government, providing a buffer between the citizen and the state, maintaining the rule of law in its civil society and serving the people without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”

Solicitors have been central to this purpose ever since the creation of the Court.

Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW