Sir Owen Dixon's Legacy

There can be little doubt of Sir Owen Dixon’s legacy upon the law in this country. As a celebrated jurist, his influence was vast and extended to virtually every branch of the law. His genius, accompanied by his long tenure on the High Court, permitted his contribution to some of Australia’s most significant decisions. The express purpose of this collection of essays is to contribute to a deeper appreciation and understanding of that legacy. In doing so, the contributors to this text do not focus only on Dixon’s influence, but add their own insights to the topics to which he made particular contribution. For example, the essays commence with a careful analysis of Dixon’s technique of common law reasoning of “strict and complete legalism”, including consideration of whether such a technique is indeed well-fitted to decision-making in the common law. Another essay analyses the enduring influence of the Dixon Court on key principles in the law of contract, despite the vast development in the common law and significant statutory encroachment in that area since the time of the Dixon Court. The text is an enjoyable and worthy read for all aspiring and practising lawyers. - Queensland Law Reporter - 11 October 2019 - [2019] 40 QLR