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[insert here] delenda est's avatar

He was also my torts lecturer. He gave me a fantastic introduction to the law in general, and made me appreciate torts and no fault compensation much more than I ever suspected I would!

I was very sorry to read of his passing but this was lovely piece and I was glad to read it.

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Katy Barnett's avatar

I wish he’d been my torts lecturer. Although I still loved torts anyway, it was more under my own steam that I enjoyed it. His text, however, was probably the beginning of my movement towards private law.

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Timothy Pitt-Payne's avatar

This is a lovely obit - thank you Katy. I was a v junior temporary lecturer at Melbourne Uni Law School 1986-87, while Harold was Dean. He was unfailingly helpful and supportive. The Law School's politics were not straightforward (there were factions, and personality conflicts) - Harold navigated them with skill and care. And yes, the only way we can repay is to pay forward.

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Katy Barnett's avatar

Everyone who was there at the time agrees - he navigated that difficult time with skill and tact - and purely out of a notion of public service.

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Ofifoto's avatar

A beautiful tribute, Katy. Thank you for sharing it.

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Katy Barnett's avatar

Thank you so much. He’d be quite embarrassed if he read this, but I wanted to share him with everyone.

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Rachel chrapot's avatar

Wonderfully written Katie! He was indeed a legend in law and a true Mensch!

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Katy Barnett's avatar

Just such a profoundly decent human being.

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Neil Foster's avatar

Thanks so much Katy! Harold was an amazing scholar and also such a keen supporter of other colleagues! We will miss him.

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Katy Barnett's avatar

Yes. All these years, and I still have a somewhat starstruck attitude to him. (I told him this a few years ago, and he chuckled and shook his head). All I can do is to attempt to pay the kindness he showed me forward to other scholars.

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