CHAMPION, Norman Dennis

Family Name:

Champion

Given Names:

Norman Dennis

Gender:

Male

Birth-date:

1945

Death-date:

Unknown

Marital Status:

Unknown, probably single

Age Range:

20 years old

Location:

NSW

Occupation:

Unknown

Primary Motivation: Conscientious Objector Pacifism Religious

Reason for Court Appearance:

[a] Application for full exemption from military duties
[b] Appealed decision of lower court

Court Name and Location:

[a] Magistrates Court, Sydney
[b] District Court, Sydney

Court Hearing Date:

[a] 31 August 1965
[b] 21 December 1965

Court Outcome:

[a] Application for full exemption from military duties was not granted, but combatant only.
[b] Granted exemption from combatant duties only

Military Event:

National Service and Vietnam War 1964-1972

Further Information:

Norman Dennis Champion was probably from New South Wales. He was a Jehovah Witnesses and therefore opposed to serving in the military. He applied for full exemption from military duties as a conscientious objector. On 31 August 1965 Magistrate CS Rodgers dismissed his application and granted him exemption from combatant duties only. Norman appealed and this was heard by Judge Hidden of the District Court, Sydney on 21 December 1965. The Judge was not convinced that the sect itself, as distinct from one of its branches was opposed to the performance of noncombatant military duties by its adherents. The Jehovah’s Witnesses overseer from the Paramatta group admitted the lines between military and non-military duties was a matter for an individual’s conscience .Judge Hidden dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the lower court. It is unknown if Norman accepted the decision.

Confirmatory Sources:

Peacemaker, September/ October 1965, p.3; Sydney Sun 21 December 1965; Canberra Times 22 December 1965; Australian 22 December 1965; Vivienne Abraham Documents, Norman Champion File.