Background
Corbett, Michael McGregor was born on September 14, 1923 in Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa. Son of Alan Frederick and Johanna Sibella (McGregor) Corbett.
Corbett, Michael McGregor was born on September 14, 1923 in Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa. Son of Alan Frederick and Johanna Sibella (McGregor) Corbett.
Bachelor, University Cape Town, 1942. Bachelor of Laws, University Cape Town, 1946. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Cape Town, 1982.
Bachelor, University Cambridge, England, 1947. Bachelor of Laws, University Cambridge, England, 1948. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University of the Orange Free State, South Africa, 1990.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Rhodes, South Africa, 1990. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Pretoria, South Africa, 1993. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Witwatersrand, South Africa, 1994.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Stellenbosch, 1996.
He served in World World War II before going to Trinity Hall, Cambridge to read Law in 1946. He then read Law at Trinity College, Cambridge. As Chief Justice of South Africa, he delivered the opening speech at the inaugural session of Codesa in December 1991 that began the negotiations for a new constitutional order for all South Africans.
He was a chairman of the Rondebosch Boys Schools Education Trust.
On Corbett"s retirement with a state banquet in 1996, former President of South African Nelson Mandela stated that:
‘His contribution is not easily encompassed. Throughout his career a passion for justice and a sensitivity to racial discrimination were combined with intellectual rigour and clarity of thought.’
Five honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws (Doctor of Laws) have been bestowed upon him:
University of Cape Town in 1982
University of the Orange Free State in 1990
Rhodes University in 1990
University of Pretoria in 1993
University of the Witwatersrand in 1994
Michael Corbett was the son of Alan Corbett and Sybil McGregor.
His father had been an Inner Temple barrister, who for many years was Commissioner for Inland Revenue of the Union. His mother was the daughter of Alexander John McGregor, a judge in the Union of South Africa, and Elizabeth Brand (daughter of January Brand, President of the Orange Free State).
Lieutenant (1st Royal Natal Carbineers) South African Army, Egypt and Italy, 1942-1945. Member American Bar Association (honorary), Cape Bar (honorary), City and Civil Service Club, Kelvin Grove Club.
Married Margaret Murray Luscombe, July 9, 1949. Children: Margaret Joan, Felicity Anne, Andrew William, Peter Alan.