Vignette 83: James Crawford - international law

His Excellency James Crawford (1948–2021) AC SC FB a globally respected academic, lawyer and jurist, and from 2015, Judge of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands.

After graduating with honours from the University in 1971, Crawford earned a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, returning to the University in 1977 as a lecturer in international law and constitutional law, and was made Professor in Law in 1983. His academic journey encompassed roles as Dean of Law at the University of Sydney and the prestigious Whewell Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge.

Crawford, in 1992 was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission where he had a pivotal role in the laws which paved the way for the establishment of the International Law Court.

Judge Crawford maintained a life-long relationship with the University, receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012 and an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2015. His enduring influence is evident in the James Crawford Oration, a biennial lecture series initiated in 2003. Beyond accolades, Judge Crawford’s commitment to mentoring and advising aspiring scholars at the University reflects his dedication to fostering the next generation of legal minds.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Leading for the future. p.117