Gerald Friedman (judge) explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Honourable
Gerald Friedman
Honorific-Suffix:SC
Office2:Judge of the Cape Provincial Division of the Supreme Court
Term Start2:1977
Term End2:1990
Office1:Judge of the Appellate Division
Term Start1:1990
Term End1:1991
Office:Judge President of the Cape Provincial Division
Term Start:1992
Term End:1998
Predecessor:George Munnik
Successor:Edwin King
Birth Date:13 September 1928
Alma Mater:University of Cape Town
Profession:Advocate

Gerald Friedman SC (13 September 1928 – 11 September 2023) was a South African judge who was Judge President of the Cape Provincial Division of the Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Friedman studied at the University of Cape Town and obtained the degrees of BA and LLB.[1]

Career

In 1950, Friedman was admitted to the Cape Bar and twenty year later, in 1970 he took silk. In 1977, he was appointed a judge at the Cape Provincial Division of the Supreme Court and in 1990, he was promoted to Judge of Appeal.[2] In 1992 re-joined the Cape Division of the Supreme Court, becoming the Judge President of the Cape, a post he had held until 1998.[3]

From 1999 until 2010, Friedman acted as the chairperson of the Financial Services Appeal Board and from 1999 until 2007, also as chair of the Ombudsman's Council.[4]

Notable cases

Friedman was the presiding judge in the murder trial of the accused for the murder of the American student, Amy Biehl, during 1993. He convicted the accused and sentenced them to 18 years in prison.[5]

Death

Friedman died on 11 September 2023, two days before his 95th birthday.[6]

Notes and References

  1. 1991. Three new Judges of Appeal. Consultus. 4. 1. 31. General Council of the Bar of South Africa.
  2. Web site: Supreme Court of Appeal: History. 2021-03-16. www.supremecourtofappeal.org.za.
  3. Book: Friedman. Gerald. Gauntlett. Jeremy. Bar, bench & bullshifters : Cape tales 1950-1990. 2013. Siber Ink. 978-1-920025-69-4. Cape Town, South Africa. 846790131.
  4. Web site: Financial Services Ombudschemes Bill 2004. 2021-03-16. static.pmg.org.za.
  5. Web site: 1994-10-27. Amy Biehl's Killers Get 18-Year Sentences. 2021-03-16. Los Angeles Times. en-US.
  6. News: Gauntlett . Jeremy . Remembering Gerald Friedman – a long life of decisiveness, principle and example . 15 November 2023 . Daily Maverick . 19 September 2023.