Sir James Martin was the 4th Chief Justice of New South Wales. He previously served as Premier of the then colony on three occasions as well as holding the office of Attorney General. It is after him that Martin Place is named.

"... is the appointed and recognised tribunal for the maintenance of the collective authority of the entire community. The enforcement of all those rules which immemorial usage has sanctioned from the preservation of peace and order, and for the definition of rights between man and man, is entrusted to its keeping. Every new law made by the Legislature comes under its care, and relies upon it for application. Without armed guards, or any ostentatious display - with nothing but its common law attendant, the sheriff, and its humble officials the court-keepers and tipstaffs, it derives its force from the knowledge that it has the whole power of the community at its back. This is a power unseen, but efficacious and irresistible, and on its maintenance depends the security of the public."

"The invitation of the Chief Justice to speak today at this auspicious event stands in stark contrast to earlier times, up until 1876 in NSW, when a First Nations Person was not considered competent to give evidence as a witness at a hearing before this Court. The absence of evidence from First Nations People meant that to this day there remain shadows on many hills and valleys of this continent, being the spirits of First Nations men, women and children whose lives were taken and for whom justice was never done."  

Acknowledgement of Country (PDF, 52.0 KB), delivered by Andrew Smith, barrister

"He is a proud Kalkadunga man from northern Queensland, land which originally fell within this Court’s territorial jurisdiction. His wonderful and generous performance of a piece he composed when only 15 in the Kalkatungu language celebrates the passing of culture from generation to generation.  It was doubly fitting for this ceremony: sung in a language which is estimated to be between 4,500-7,000 years old, it both reminds us of what we celebrate today in terms of the handing down of traditions but also, more profoundly, it reminds us of the longevity and beauty of far, far older traditions, culture and customs of indigenous people on this Island continent."

The Hon. Andrew Bell, Chief Justice of New South Wales

“NOW KNOW YE that we upon full consideration of the premises and of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have in pursuance of the said Act of Parliament thought fit to grant direct ordain and appoint and by these presents do accordingly for us our heirs and successors grant direct ordain and appoint that there shall be within that part of our Colony of New South Wales situate in the Island of New Holland a Court which shall be called a Supreme Court of New South Wales and we do hereby create direct and constitute the said Supreme Court of New South Wales to be a Court of Record. AND WE DO further will ordain and appoint that the said Supreme Court of New South Wales shall consist of and be holden by and before one Judge who shall be and be called the Supreme Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales which Chief Justice shall be a Barrister in England or Ireland of not less than five years standing...

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