Russell Fox

In 1958 Fox jointly took over the post of General Editor of the Australian Law Journal from Rae Else-Mitchell.

[3][4] In those days of the journal, there was only one law school in New South Wales, and Fox had to write many of the articles himself rather than just be an editor.

Whilst there he encouraged fellow lecturer Graham Hill (who was also to become a judge) to write Stamp, Death, Estate and Gift Duties (New South Wales, Commonwealth and Australian Capital Territory), a standard text on the subject in Australia.

[6] In 1969 he was asked by the Australian Government to chair an inquiry into allegations of bastardization of cadets at the Duntroon Military College.

The plaintiffs sought a review of the building process, asserting that the erection of the tower would constitute a “public nuisance”, impairing the mountain skyline.

[11] During the course of the enquiry, Malcolm Fraser, who had replaced Whitlam as prime minister, asked Fox to bring the inquiry to a speedy conclusion.

[7] Author Les Dalton argues that the inquiry is probably unique in Australian history for its openness and public participation.

On 1 February 1977, he was appointed as the first Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and held that post until 3 November of that year.

In 1977, Fox, in an independent and confidential report to the Australian Government, questioned the United States' nuclear safeguards strategy.

However, he did not believe that adherence to unsuccessful treaties from over twenty years ago would adequately deal with the problems of drugs in modern society.

[15] Fox was to become a prolific writer on the subject of drug policy, writing many papers on the issue in respected journals.

Fox was appointed Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island in 1982 and held that position until 1989.

On 12 June 1989 Fox was made a Companion of the Order of Australia and he also received the Australian Centenary Medal in 2003.