Judge Nicol: Civil Liberties Champion

Sir Andrew Nicol, a former High Court judge and respected barrister, has died at the age of 75. Throughout his distinguished career, he significantly advanced the defense of civil liberties. His judicial tenure, beginning in 2009, is notably marked by his careful management of the 2020 libel case involving Johnny Depp and The Sun newspaper.

Nicol's early career included legal studies at Cambridge and Harvard, followed by work in California and Sydney. Returning to the UK in 1977, he lectured at the LSE before embarking on a legal practice. He played a pivotal role in challenging jury vetting during the 1978 ABC official secrets trial, drawing upon historical legal texts.

As a barrister, Nicol developed substantial expertise in immigration and media law. He co-founded Doughty Street Chambers in 1990, becoming a QC in 1995. His advocacy extended to landmark cases, including representing the African National Congress against the apartheid South African government and establishing police duties in preventing racial discrimination.

He was instrumental in the appeal for Kiranjit Ahluwalia, a domestic abuse victim, successfully arguing for diminished responsibility. Nicol also co-authored a foundational text, 'Media Law,' which evolved significantly over its editions. His judicial decisions, though sometimes controversial in the public eye, such as the Depp case, were characterized by their learning and punctiliousness, often proving resistant to appeal.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sir Andrew was known for his kindness, humor, and generosity. He served as presiding judge on the South-Eastern Circuit and as deputy chairman of the Boundary Commission. He was politically aligned with social justice causes, a commitment shared by his wife, Camilla Palmer KC. He is survived by his two sons, Robert and Jamie, and a granddaughter, Lark.