Peter Morrissey SC

Professional Background

TRIAL WORK: Peter has appeared in many major trials, including charges of murder, culpable driving, narcotics offences, fraud and sexual offences. He is experienced in all aspects of the criminal process, including bail, compulsory hearings at various coercive agencies, committals and pre-trial litigation, as well as the trial itself.

APPEALS: Peter is also experienced in criminal appeal work in the Court of Appeal, as well as in Orders to Review arising from the criminal process.

ROYAL COMMISSIONS, INQUESTS AND QUASI-CRIMINAL CASES: Peter has much experience in Royal Commissions, and was counsel assisting the Royal Commission into the Proetctions and Detention of Children in the NT.  Peter is also experienced in Coronial inquests, recently appearing for the family of much-loved Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day who died in police custody. 

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW: Peter has experience of all aspects of international criminal law, having conducted trials and appeals at the ICTY, and defended persons charged with offences whilst living in off-shore facilities. Peter continues to work and advise in this area.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: Peter has appeared in many administrative law matters, including cases in VCAT, Fair Work Australia, the Supreme Court of Victoria and in various medical tribunals in Victoria and New South Wales. He has advised on and appeared in complex challenges to administrative action (cases with a clear human rights focus). He has conducted enquiries, and advised upon legislation with human rights implications.

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Peter has been a long-term Criminal Bar Association member, and was Chairman from 2013-2016.  He is a frequent contributor to the Bar's CLE program.  Peter has taught Constitutional & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and International Criminal Procedure and Human Rights and Criminal Procedure at the Universtity of Melbourne.  Peter has three children and is happily married to Emily Castle.