Dr Anthony Hopkins has been appointed as a Special Magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court, while Margaret Hunter OAM has also had her appointment as a Special Magistrate extended.
Dr Hopkins is a leading Australian authority on therapeutic jurisprudence and has a deep expertise in criminal law. He is an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law and has practised as a barrister in the ACT since 2010.
He began his legal practice in 2002 with the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission, before moving to work with the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Service in Alice Springs.
"I am honoured by the appointment," Dr Hopkins said. "I am particularly delighted to have the opportunity to work with Elders on the Galambany Court in collaboration with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community."
"I welcome Dr Hopkins to this important role," Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said. "His background and experience in therapeutic jurisprudence mean that he is well equipped to contribute to the work of the Magistrates Court including its circle sentencing court, the Galambany Court.
"I congratulate both Dr Hopkins and Ms Hunter and look forward to their continued contribution to the law and the Canberra community."
Dr Hopkins' and Ms Hunter's appointments will begin on 1 May 2021 and will run until 30 June 2022.
Special Magistrate Dr Anthony Hopkins:
- 2019 – present: Associate Professor, Director Clinical and Internships Courses, ANU Law School
- 2015 – 2019: Senior Lecturer, ANU Law School
- 2015 – PhD, University of Canberra
- 2010 – present: Barrister, Burley Griffin Chambers, Australian Capital Territory
- 2010 – Admitted as a Barrister, ACT
- 2008 – 2012: Assistant Professor, School of Law and Justice, University of Canberra
- 2003 – 2005: Barrister and Solicitor, Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service
- 2002 – 2003: Barrister and Solicitor, Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission
- 2002 – Admitted as a Legal Practitioner, Supreme Court of the Northern Territory
- 2001 – LLB, Qld University of Technology (1st Class Honours & University Medal)
- 1998 – BA, University of Wollongong
