Michael Corbett (judge)

Michael McGregor Corbett (14 September 1923 – 16 September 2007) was a former Chief Justice of South Africa (1989–1996). He served in World War II before going to Trinity Hall, Cambridge to read Law in 1946.^[1]

Early years

Corbett attended Rondebosch Boys' High School^[2] in Cape Town before serving in World War II. He then read Law at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Career

As Chief Justice of South Africa, he delivered the opening speech at the inaugural session of Codesa in December 1991 that began the negotiations for a new constitutional order for all South Africans.^[2]

Retirement

He was a chairman of the Rondebosch Boys Schools Education Trust.^[3]

Tributes

On Corbett's retirement with a state banquet in 1996, former President of South African Nelson Mandela stated that:

‘His contribution is not easily encompassed. He has achieved distinction as legal scholar, as writer, as advocate and as a judicial officer. Throughout his career a passion for justice and a sensitivity to racial discrimination were combined with intellectual rigour and clarity of thought.’^[4]

Five honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws (LLD) have been bestowed upon him:^[5]

1. University of Cape Town in 1982
2. University of the Orange Free State in 1990
3. Rhodes University in 1990
4. University of Pretoria in 1993
5. University of the Witwatersrand in 1994

Family

Michael Corbett was the son of Alan Corbett and Sybil McGregor. His father had been an Inner Temple barrister, who for many years was Commissioner for Inland Revenue of the Union.^[6] His mother was the daughter of Alexander John McGregor, a judge in the Union of South Africa, and Elizabeth Brand (daughter of Jan Brand, President of the Orange Free State).^[6]

References