Harry Gibbs - Definition

Sir Harry Gibbs (born 1917) is a former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

After graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws in 1939 and being admitted to the bar, Gibbs enrolled in the Australian Military Forces serving from 1942 until 1945 during World War II.

Stationed in Papua New Guinea he developed an interest in its leagal system and was awarded a Master of Laws based on his research. He returned to the practice of law following the war and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1957.

Gibbs served as a judge on the Queensland Supreme Court from 1961 until 1967 when he joined the Federal Court of Bankruptcy. In 1970 he joined the High Court of Australia becoming Chief Justice in 1981. He retired from the court in 1987.