Michael Kirby

The intimate biography of High Court justice Michael Kirby

For most of his life, Michael Kirby has been a man on a tightrope, attempting to balance the potent, sometimes contradictory impulses of passion and duty, honesty and discretion, advocacy and neutrality.

He had to hide his real self from the world for decades, while being the public voice of countless human rights and legal issues. And his thirty-six years as federal judge afforded him tremendous authority and power, but often demanded silence and impartiality on matters closest to his heart.

Drawing on interviews with Kirby, his family, friends, and Johan van Vloten, his partner of more than forty years, this intimate biography takes us behind the bench to explore the personal, moral and spiritual convictions of one of our most fascinating and brilliant citizens. It looks back on a controversial career of dedication and success, and a private life of great love, secrecy and, finally, openness.