Virginia Bell (judge)
Virginia Bell | |
|---|---|
| Justice of the High Court of Australia | |
| In office 3 February 2009 – 28 February 2021 | |
| Nominated by | Kevin Rudd |
| Appointed by | Quentin Bryce |
| Preceded by | Michael Kirby |
| Succeeded by | Jacqueline Gleeson |
| Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales | |
| In office 25 March 1999 – 19 December 2008 | |
| Judge of the New South Wales Court of Appeal | |
| In office 2008 – 19 December 2008 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 March 1951 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Education | SCEGGS Darlinghurst |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
| Occupation | Jurist |
Virginia Margaret Bell (born 7 March 1951) is a retired Australian judge. She is a former Justice of the High Court of Australia, the highest court in the Australian court hierarchy. She was sworn in on 3 February 2009, and retired on 28 February 2021.
Previously a public defender, she assisted in the Wood Royal Commission into the New South Wales Police Service from 1995 until 1999. She was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1999, before being appointed to the High Court. After her retirement, in 2022, she led an inquiry into former prime minister Scott Morrison's self-appointment to several ministerial positions. In 2026, Prime Minister Albanese selected her to lead a Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia and social cohesion, following the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting.