 He was described as a "colossus of the legal world" by Chief Justice Susan Denham.One commentator wrote that "Hardiman’s greatest contribution ...was the steadfast defence of civil liberties and individual rights" and that "He was a champion of defendants’ rights and a bulwark against any attempt by An Garda Síochána to abuse its powers".Hardiman received the rare honour of being appointed directly from the Bar to the Ireland's highest court.