Judges’ immunity shouldn’t be wound back despite Brisbane man being wrongfully imprisoned, court hears

Hearing follows Justice Salvatore Vasta order to pay part of $309,000 in damages to “Mr Stradford” who was sentenced to jail and then swiftly released

Common law principles relating to judicial immunity should not be weakened because of a “rare and extreme case” in which a man suffered a gross miscarriage of justice, the High Court has been told.

Opening a hearing in Adelaide on Wednesday, solicitor-general Stephen Donaghue KC told the court that the principles had always been recognised as serving an important role in preserving the independence of the judiciary.