In a part of the country where customary law is still strong, payback can involve punishment – but can also carry rewards. Just ask Northern Territory QC, John Reeves. He is currently holidaying on the Greek islands, but tomorrow will be elevated to the Federal Court bench, writes legal commentator Gwen Byrnie.
Northern territory law
Legal voices missing in action in NT
John Howard’s extraordinary suspension of the rule of law in the Northern Territory should have the legal profession manning the barricades. But where are the Chief Justice of the Northern Territory, Brian Martin, the Northern Territory Law Society, the Northern Territory Bar Association, and even the national bodies — the Australian Bar Association and the Law Council of Australia? So far, nowhere to be seen or heard.
