Overview
Sir Alfred Stephen (1802-1894) was descended from generations of Stephens celebrated in England for their contributions to the law, literature, politics and public administration. A creature of the nineteenth century, Sir Alfred personified its values. Born at St Kitts, educated in England and there called to the Bar, he at first progressed so slowly that he decided to return to the colonies. As a pioneer Crown Law Officer in Tasmania he was ambitious, aggressive, and astonishingly successful financially. But, lacking tact, he fell out with the Lt-Governor and the judiciary.\n\nTaking another chance, he accepted a temporary judgeship at Sydney (1839), won immediate respect, and became Chief Justice (1844), serving with great accomplishment until 1873 – a term never equaled in New South Wales. He was first President of the Legislative Council after Responsible Government (1856), returning to the Council on resigning as Chief Justice. His many public services included being Lt-Governor; helping to establish The University of Sydney; and supporting such institutions as hospitals, museums and art galleries. Despite the difficulty, on a fixed income, of providing for his many children, he was great philanthropist.\n\nHis name and works, now much forgotten, but of world renown in his day, are recalled in this biography by Dr John Michael Bennett, AM, whose project to write it was awarded the 2006 News South Wales History Fellowship.
Full Product Details
Author: J M Bennett
Publisher: Federation Press
Imprint: Federation Press
Weight: 1.080kg
ISBN: 9781862877542
ISBN 10: 1862877548
Pages: 568
Publication Date: 27 November 2009
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
General
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
This publication is the latest in the always high anticipated Lives , written by Dr JM Bennett. ... it is a much more detailed and encompassing review of the life of one of Tasmania's earliest barristers, who moved to NSW as an acting judge, in the hope of securing a permanent appointment, become the third Chief Justice of that State. ... This is not a book which can be read in one sitting, nor for that matter over a day or so. ... Like all Lives this book makes for a fascincating look into our past. It may even provide some thought about our future. It is highly recommended to all who have an interest in the law. - Law Society of Tasmania, Law Letter, Autumn 2010
"This publication is the latest in the always high anticipated ""Lives"", written by Dr JM Bennett. ... it is a much more detailed and encompassing review of the life of one of Tasmania's earliest barristers, who moved to NSW as an acting judge, in the hope of securing a permanent appointment, become the third Chief Justice of that State. ... This is not a book which can be read in one sitting, nor for that matter over a day or so. ... Like all ""Lives"" this book makes for a fascincating look into our past. It may even provide some thought about our future. It is highly recommended to all who have an interest in the law. - Law Society of Tasmania, Law Letter, Autumn 2010"
