According to recently appointed judge in the New South Wales District Court, Philip Taylor, one of the purposes of the judiciary is "to resolve, by fair means, individual disputes that collectively cause much stress and pain."
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He said that as he continues his service in the legal profession, formerly as a senior counsel, now as a judge, that this will remain the focus of his service.
Judge Taylor took the oath of office in the District Court chambers on 18 April, 2012.
Honourable G.E. Smith SC, MP, New South Wales Attorney General and Minister for Justice made mention of Judge Taylor's legal education and notable career after the ceremony.
Speaking to Judge Taylor, Mr Smith said: “Your colleagues believe that on the Bench you will be fair, tolerant, compassionate, and strive to ensure that every decision you make is both legally and morally the correct one."
Mr Smith told the audience that Judge Taylor’s close colleagues describe him as “highly articulate and scarily intelligent, as someone who possesses a grasp of law and legal principles that has often led them to question their own ability.”
Judge Taylor's peers say that in addition to his commitment to his profession and to assisting the people of New South Wales, his faith and family are also high priorities in his life.
Taylor is a a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a younger man he served for two years as a missionary for his church. He also served for five years as a lay minister (bishop) for his local Mormon ward (congregation) while he worked in the legal profession.