Peter Faris

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Peter Faris, QC, is a criminal barrister, radio broadcaster and media commentator in Melbourne, Australia.

He commenced practice as a solicitor in 1963 under the tutelage of the famous defence lawyer Frank Galbally. He rapidly became a very succcessful advocate with a fearsome reputation for tough talk and tough lawyering.

Faris signed the roll of counsel of the Victorian Bar in 1970 and practised as defence and prosecuting counsel in serious criminal cases. In the mid-1980s he "took silk" and became a Queen's Counsel. Since that time he has remained at the coalface of criminal law in Australia, appearing in some of the country's most sensational criminal trials.

From 1989 to 1990 he was chairman of Australia's peak crime-fighting taskforce, the National Crime Authority (now the Australian Crime Commission.

After leaving the NCA Faris returned to private practice as a barrister. He now combines his legal practice with his double life as a blogger and media commentator.

Faris is a formidable opponent both within and outside the courtroom. His bluntness of expression and conservative political views tend to alienate his opponents, but they have also earned his weekly radio spot an enthusiastic following.