Renowned Human Rights Judge to Lead Australian Federal Court

The outside of the Supreme Court of New South Wales building is seen in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2013. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Distinguished human rights figure Justice Debra Mortimer will become the first woman to head the Federal Court.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus was confident Justice Mortimer would contribute significantly to the justice system, as he announced the appointment on March 31.