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Sir Dudley Williams

Personal Life and Education

Sir Dudley Williams, was born at Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia on 7 December 1889. He was the third child of Prosper Orleans Williams and Florence Mary. His father was a solicitor. Williams completed his early education at Sydney Grammar School. He graduated with B.A in 1912 and Bachelor of Laws in 1915 from University of Sydney. Both at Grammar School and University he was a champion in tennis and rowing.

He made his entry to the New South Wales Bar in 1915. But, he started his practice in 1921 as he offered his service during World War I. In 1915 Williams planned to join the British Army and went to England. There he was the Captain in the Royal Field Artillery Special Reserve and he got Military Cross award. On 15 March 1919, Williams married Catherine Agnes Rua Mackenzie Webster at All Souls Church of England.

Sir Dudley Williams as a Judge

Williams became a King's Counsel in 1935. After four years he was made an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court, New South Wales. In 1940 he promoted to the designation of a Judge of the court. On 15 October 1940 he was a member of the High Court bench and retained that position until he got retired in 1958.

During his tenure as a judge Williams’ works include:

1. Taking care of the Equity jurisdiction

2. Handling cases that involved companies, wills, intellectual property and taxation

3. Supporting extensive construction of the defence power all through World War II

4. Joining his fellow team members in rejecting efforts by Australian Labor Party government under Prime Minister J. B. Chifley to nationalize aviation in 1945 and banking in 1947.

5. When the bank nationalization case started in 1948, Williams declared that he along with his family had shareholdings in two private banks. On the other hand, he declined to debar himself from hearing the challenge to the legislation. He explained that he had no financial interest in the shares. He held them as trustee in support of his sister.

After living an eventful life, Sir Dudley Williams died at Paddington in 1963.

Justice of the High Court of Australia
In office	15 October 1940 – 31 July 1958
Nominated by	Robert Menzies
Preceded by	H.V. Evatt
Succeeded by	Sir Victor Windeyer
Personal details
Born	7 December 1889 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died	8 January 1963