Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG is one of Australia’s most influential legal minds. During his 13 years on the High Court he stood at the centre of some of the nation’s most significant human rights battles.

In the first part of this very special interview with Tim & Xanthe, Justice Kirby shares how his family, schooling and experience as a gay man shaped his understanding of justice, equality and human rights. 

He reflects on his involvement in several major Australian wrongful conviction cases -  Kathleen Folbigg case and  Andrew Mallard - and explains why Australia desperately needs an independent criminal case review.

Known as the Great Dissenter, Justice Kirby’s career was defined by his willingness to stand alone. This is a remarkable conversation about challenging authority, standing by your convictions and recognising that even the highest courts can get things wrong.