Address at the Launch of The Futures of Democracy, Law and Government edited by Mark Hickford and Matthew SR Palmer, and Without Fear or Favour: A Life in Law by Sir Kenneth Keith

Abstract

Speaking at this book launch is a daunting task because these two books each mark, in their own way, the career of a remarkable public figure.

The two men who are the inspiration for, or author of, these books, Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Sir Ken Keith, have had careers of great significance. Their achievements reach back more than 60 years, across a broad range of New Zealand's public life and internationally.

These are achievements in the worlds of teaching and research, law reform, political systems and adjudication. One has risen to the absolute pinnacle of the political world, as Attorney‑General, Deputy Prime Minister and then Prime Minister. The other, to the top of the legal world as a Judge of the Supreme Court and then as a Judge of the International Court of Justice.