bruce lehrmann

Bruce Lehrmann Appeal Dismissed: Court Upholds Rape Finding in Landmark Ruling

A high-stakes defamation appeal has been decisively rejected, cementing a judicial finding that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins. The ruling marks a significant moment in Australia's legal and cultural landscape.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Federal Court dismissed Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal against a previous ruling that found him responsible for raping his former colleague, Brittany Higgins. The decision upholds the finding made by Justice Michael Lee in April 2024, concluding a years-long legal battle that has captivated and divided the Australian public.

The Full Court of the Federal Court rejected all grounds of the appeal, delivering a scathing assessment of the original trial and affirming that the evidence presented against Lehrmann was overwhelming.

The Verdict: A Unanimous Rejection

The appeal decision was handed down by a panel of three judges: Justice Steven Rares, Justice Richard Beach, and Justice Michael O'Bryan. Their unanimous conclusion was firm: there were no errors in Justice Lee's original findings.

In delivering the judgment, the court addressed the central question of whether Justice Lee had erred in relying on the evidence of Ms. Higgins. The appeal court found that the trial judge’s assessment of Ms. Higgins as a credible and reliable witness was justified. Furthermore, the court dismissed arguments regarding the conduct of the original trial, specifically the handling of evidence related to a witness, "Person A."

The judges noted that the "brute force" of the evidence presented during the defamation case supported the conclusion that Lehrmann had engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse. The court found no basis to interfere with the finding that, on the balance of probabilities, Mr. Lehrmann raped Ms. Higgins.

The Timeline of a Tumultuous Case

To understand the weight of this decision, it is necessary to look back at the chain of events that led to this moment. The legal saga has spanned several years, moving from criminal courts to civil defamation battles.

• 2019: The alleged incident occurs in Parliament House, Canberra.
• 2021: Ms. Higgins goes public with her story in a televised interview, sparking the "March 4 Justice" protests and a national conversation about workplace safety.
• 2022: The criminal trial for sexual assault is aborted due to juror misconduct. No finding of guilt is made in the criminal context.
• 2023: Bruce Lehrmann launches defamation proceedings against Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson, claiming their reporting destroyed his reputation.
• April 2024: Justice Michael Lee delivers his judgment in the defamation case. He finds, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped Higgins and dismisses the defamation suit.
• December 2025: The Full Federal Court dismisses Lehrmann's appeal, affirming the finding of rape.

Contextual Background: A Case That Defined an Era

The Lehrmann v Network Ten case was never just a private dispute between an individual and a media organization. It became a proxy war for broader societal debates about consent, the treatment of women in politics, the power of the media, and the limits of legal recourse.

The Defamation Pathway

Bruce Lehrmann chose to sue for defamation after his criminal case collapsed. This legal strategy is significant. In Australia, defamation law allows individuals to sue for damage to their reputation. However, truth is a complete defense. By suing, Lehrmann effectively invited the court to examine the allegations against him in detail, using the civil standard of proof (the balance of probabilities) rather than the criminal standard (beyond a reasonable doubt).

Justice Lee’s original judgment was unusually long and detailed, reflecting the complexity of the case. He utilized a rarely invoked provision of the Evidence Act to make a positive finding of fact that the rape occurred.

The Role of Media and Parliament

The case also highlighted the intense scrutiny faced by Australian media. Lisa Wilkinson’s Logie-winning interview with Ms. Higgins was the catalyst for the defamation suit. While the media was criticized by Lehrmann’s legal team for "trial by media," the courts ultimately found that their reporting was substantially true.

Furthermore, the scandal exposed the toxic workplace culture within Parliament House. The "Boys' Club" narrative took hold, and the Department of Finance conducted an independent review of the parliamentary workplace, leading to several recommendations for cultural change.

Immediate Effects: The Fallout of the Ruling

The dismissal of the appeal has immediate and profound consequences for the key players and the broader community.

For Bruce Lehrmann

The legal outcome is devastating for Lehrmann. He has now been found by the courts to have committed a serious crime. He faces the potential of being pursued for the costs of the defamation action, which are likely to be astronomical, potentially running into the millions of dollars. His reputation, already damaged by the allegations, is now legally cemented as that of a rapist in the eyes of the civil law.

For Brittany Higgins and Linda White

For Brittany Higgins and her partner, Linda White, the judgment represents a form of vindication. After years of public scrutiny, death threats, and legal battles, the highest court in the civil jurisdiction has affirmed their version of events. In a statement, Ms. Higgins and Ms. White expressed relief at the conclusion of the legal process, emphasizing their hope to move forward with their lives.

For the Legal and Media Landscape

The ruling reinforces the power of the civil courts to adjudicate serious allegations when they arise in the context of defamation. It serves as a cautionary tale for public figures considering defamation as a means to clear their name when the underlying facts are contested. The media organizations involved, Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson, have been vindicated in their reporting.

Broader Implications and the "Toxic" Culture

The "Bruce Lehrmann" phenomenon has left a lasting imprint on Australian culture. It brought the concept of consent into the living rooms of millions of Australians. The case forced a reckoning with how institutions protect (or fail to protect) their employees.

One interesting aspect of the case was the revelation of the internal communications within the Liberal Party and the media landscape. The "Knight on a White Horse" text message sent by Lehrmann to a friend, boasting about his treatment of women, was cited in the judgment as evidence of his character. This detail, among others, painted a picture of a cavalier attitude toward consent that resonated with the broader #MeToo movement.

The case has also led to a renewed focus on the statute of limitations for sexual assault. While the criminal case could not proceed due to the passage of time and juror issues, the civil defamation case provided a venue for justice to be sought.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next?

While the court process has concluded, the reverberations of the case will continue.

Financial Consequences

The most immediate future event is the determination of costs. Bruce Lehrmann is liable for the legal costs of Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. If he is unable to pay, it could lead to insolvency proceedings. There is also the question of whether Higgins will seek to recover her own legal costs from Lehrmann personally.

Cultural Impact

The case will likely be studied in law schools and journalism courses for years to come. It represents a watershed moment where the civil standard of proof was sufficient to make a finding of sexual assault against a high-profile individual. It may encourage other victims to come forward, knowing that truth remains a robust defense in defamation proceedings.

Political Repercussions

The scandal continues to haunt the Coalition. The handling of the allegations internally by the Liberal Party was criticized heavily. While the immediate political storm has passed, the legacy of the case shapes how political parties manage misconduct allegations today.

Conclusion: A Defining Chapter in Australian Justice

The dismissal of Bruce Lehrmann’s appeal is not just a legal footnote; it is the closing chapter of a saga that changed Australia. It underscores a fundamental shift in how society and the courts grapple with allegations of sexual violence.

As the dust settles, the focus returns to the individuals involved. For Brittany Higgins, the verdict is a public affirmation of her truth. For Bruce Lehrmann, it is a legal defeat of total proportions. And for the Australian public, it serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of justice, the power of the media, and the importance of believing women.

The legacy of this case will endure, influencing legal precedents and cultural attitudes for years to come. It stands as a testament to the persistence of one woman seeking accountability and the power of the courts to provide it.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports from ABC News, The Age, and The Guardian regarding the court's findings. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.