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Summary

Born in 1918, Sir Francis was educated at Guildford Grammar School and University of Western Australia. He served in the RAN and RAAF from 1940-45. In 1943 he married Margaret and they had four children. The interview covers the personal story of Sir Francis (known as 'Red' to his friends and 'Bob' to some family) and his long and distinguished career in the law. He was admitted to the Bar in 1941, was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1959, was a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1969-77, and Chief Justice from 1977-88. Sir Francis commented on many issues in the law, and what was involved as lawyer, judge and Chief Justice. He was responsible for the foundation of the Independent Bar in 1961, and has forthright views on such things as the charging of fees, sentencing, and the location and design of court buildings. From 1977-90, Sir Francis was Lieutenant-Governor, and from 1990-1993 Governor of Western Australia. He discussed the role and duties of Governor as well as the use and design of Government House and its gardens. Among the antecedents of Sir Francis was Archibald Paull Burt, who arrived in the colony of Western Australia with his family in 1861 as the senior judge and shortly afterwards became the first Chief Justice. His son, Septimus Burt (grandfather of Sir Francis), was a QC and the first Attorney-General in the Forrest Government.