Mr Justice Harding—a titan of Queensland law Artwork

Selden Society lecture series Australia

Join a variety of judicial officers, legal professionals and academics for this informative and provocative series of legal history lectures. Each episode presents a single story uncovering a unique aspect of our common law past. This might be literature or language, a fascinating event or item, a significant person, or the development of a legal idea. These lectures are recorded in the Banco Court, Brisbane, and are now available to the world.

All Episodes

Selden Society lecture series Australia

Mr Justice Harding—a titan of Queensland law

July 19, 2023 • Supreme Court Library Queensland • Season 3 • Episode 33

George Rogers Harding (1838–1895) was the 5th Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland and is regarded as one of Queensland’s finest civil lawyers, whose rigorous analytical approach helped to establish the reputation of the Supreme Court. He is also known as one of Queensland’s most influential bibliophiles and was instrumental in developing a fine collection for the Supreme Court Library. After his death, his extensive personal library provided the foundation for what became the State Library of Queensland.

This Selden Society lecture examines Harding’s personal and professional life and legacy within the context of Queensland’s developing legal community.

About the speaker
Mr John McKenna KC is a long-standing member of the Selden Society, who has a particular interest in the development of the Queensland courts and legal profession in the 19th century. He is the author of Supreme Court of Queensland: A Concise History (2012).

View the lecture.

Support the show