Peter Williams (lawyer)
Sir Peter Alderidge Williams KNZM QC (born 1934) is a New Zealand lawyer and penal reform advocate.
Williams studied at Auckland University College, graduating LLB in 1960.[1] A noted defence lawyer, Williams has represented high-profile clients including Terry Clark, Ronald Jorgensen, Arapeta Awatere and Winston Peters, and was involved in having the conviction of Arthur Allan Thomas for the murders of Harvey and Jeannette Crewe overturned.[2]
Williams has been a long-time advocate for the humane treatment of prisoners in New Zealand, and served as the head of the Auckland branch of the Howard League for Penal Reform.[3]
Williams was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1987. In the 2015 New Year Honours Williams was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the law.[4]
Published works
Williams has written a number of books including:
- Williams, Peter (1990). Judicial misconduct. Petaling Jaya: Pelanduk. ISBN 9679783219.
- Williams, Peter (1997). A passion for justice. Christchurch: Shoal Bay Press. ISBN 0908704631.
- Williams, Peter (2009). Petals of memory: sailer, poet, protester. Auckland: self-published. ISBN 9780473153847.
- Williams, Peter (2012). Nemesis to prejudice: spoken essays, 1996–1999. Auckland: Grey Gull. ISBN 9780473203696.
- Williams, Peter (2014). The dwarf who moved: and other remarkable tales from a life in the law. Auckland: Harper Collins. ISBN 9781775540472.
References
- ↑ "NZ university graduates 1870–1961: Wi–Z". Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ↑ Dennett, Kelly (31 December 2014). "Knighthood for Peter Williams QC in New Year Honours". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ↑ "The Howard League for Penal Reform". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ↑ "New Year honours list 2015". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2015.