Brian Martin served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1987 – 2003 and was Chief Justice from 1993 – 2003. Justice Martin was appointed as an acting Judge in 2004.

Justice Martin, was born in Lithgow, New South Wales in 1936 where he completed his primary and secondary education. He commenced studying law in 1953 under the Solicitors Admission Board Scheme whilst articled to a Lithgow solicitor, and was admitted to practice in New South Wales in 1959. He moved to Alice Springs and commenced practice there as a barrister and solicitor in 1963.

Whilst in Alice Springs Justice Martin became interested in community affairs, including as a member and Chairman of the Alice Springs Town Management Board and later Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the Alice Springs Town Council during the period 1972 to 1975. Appointed to the office of Solicitor General, his Honour, together with his wife, Lorraine and four children, moved to Darwin in early 1981.

Prior to taking up judicial office, Justice Martin was appointed by the Government of the Northern Territory as Chairman of Inquiries into the Welfare Needs of Territory and Pastoral Land Title and conducted public hearings throughout the Territory in respect of both of those matters.

From 1980 until 1989 Justice Martin was Director of the Australia Bicentennial Authority and Chairman of the Northern Territory Council. Justice Martin also served as Chairman of the Northern Territory Parole Board and was appointed an Acting Administrator.
Justice Martin was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 and an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1989.