Chief Justice of the Northern Territory


The title of Chief Justice of the Northern Territory refers to the highest judicial position in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. The position is currently held by Michael Grant.

History of the Chief Justice of the Northern Territory

The Supreme Court of the Northern Territory was established in 1911. From 1911-1974 the Northern Territory had only one resident judge. Relief was provided by Commonwealth judges from 1961 - 1976 and by Federal Court judges from 1976 - 1978. The Northern Territory gained Self-Government in 1978 and by that time had four resident judges.
The title given to the judge varied in name, as the laws concerning the position varied. In 1975 the position was renamed to Chief Judge, with Sir William Forster the only person to hold that position, from 1977-1979. Forster uniquely held 3 different titles relating to the same position, that of Senior Judge, Chief Judge and Chief Justice, when the position title was changed again in 1979. Since that time there have been 6 Chief Justices of the Court. From 1911-1974, there were eight resident judges.

List of Resident/Senior Judges of the Northern Territory