17 Facts About Russell Skerman

Russell Wigton Skerman was a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland from 1962 to 1973.

Russell Skerman was an acting judge of the Supreme Court in Townsville for two months in May and June 1953.

Russell Skerman was born on 24 September 1903 in Kobble Creek, near Brisbane, Queensland.

Russell Skerman attended Warwick High School and the University of Queensland and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Russell Skerman played hockey at university and was a member of the 1925 Inter-Varsity hockey team.

Russell Skerman was admitted as a barrister in 1932 and then practiced as a barrister in Townsville until his appointment as a judge.

Russell Skerman married Leila Beaujolais Imrie Harris and they had two daughters, Claire and Rosemary.

Russell Skerman served most of his time in the army as a legal officer in Papua New Guinea, but towards the end for the war was assigned to "Special Duties" in Hollandia for eight months.

In May 1953, Russell Skerman, who was at the time the senior barrister in North Queensland, was appointed an acting judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, while the new Northern Judge, Justice Thomas O'Hagan who had been appointed to replace Robert Douglas was indisposed due to ill-health.

Russell Skerman was appointed a full-time judge in 1962, succeeding Justice Kenneth Townley.

Russell Skerman would be required to go on circuit to the major towns of North Queensland, including Mt Isa, Cairns and Cloncurry.

Russell Skerman recalled in his retirement speech a murder trial in Cloncurry going until 3 am so that he could attend morning sessions that had been scheduled in Cairns.

Russell Skerman was the trial judge in the case of Pusey v Mount Isa Mines where the High Court of Australia ultimately upheld his decision relating to proximity and nervous shock.

Russell Skerman retired in 1973 and moved to Buderim, on the Sunshine Coast, about 100 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Russell Skerman died on 24 February 1983 at the age of 79 and was buried in the Buderim Cemetery.

Russell Skerman played in important part in the establishment of James Cook University in Townsville.

Russell Skerman was one of the original members of the Advisory Council to form the university.