Sam Jacobs (judge)


Justice Samuel Joshua Jacobs AO QC was a highly respected lawyer and judge.
After being compulsorily retired at age 70 in 1990, he was recalled and appointed as Royal Commissioner into the inquiry into the State Bank of South Australia debt crisis.

Early life

Jacobs was born 6 December 1920 in the Adelaide suburb of Glenelg, the son of Sir Roland Jacobs. He was educated at Scotch College, Adelaide and the University of Adelaide where he obtained his law degree in 1948 – his studies were interrupted by World War II. He entered private practice after graduation.

Career and achievements

He became a member of the Council of Law Society in 1957, a Queens Council in 1965 and was President of the Law Society of SA from 1970 to 1972. He was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of SA in 1973.
He served in a wide range of organisations, including:
Jacobs was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 1982 Queen's Birthday Honours List. He received the Centenary Medal in 2001. He was awarded honorary doctorates by the Universities of Adelaide and South Australia.

Death

He died 11 October 2011, survived by four children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.