The Magistrates’ Court is the workhorse of the legal system, hearing both criminal and civil matters. Magistrates’ Courts around Australia hear the vast majority of sentenced court cases - more than 90 per cent in fact.

Michael Challinger is a criminal barrister based in Melbourne and has been working in Victorian courts since 1975 – representing clients, mostly in the Victorian Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court. Michael’s written a book called Mostly Guilty – which is funny….a little politically incorrect at times…and it’s about his career working in this first rung of the court system.  He dubs himself a “low-flying barrister” but as you’ll hear, the work he and his colleagues do every day is really important and, to be honest, probably undervalued.

CREDITS:

Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram 

Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. 

Guest:  Michael Challinger, author of Mostly Guilty: A low-flying barrister’s working life. If you find yourself in need of a Barrister in Victoria, you can find Michael here: https://www.vicbar.com.au/profile/6405

Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard

Executive Producer: Jacqueline Tonks

Recorded at a Hub Australia Media Studio. Find the workspace that's right for you at https://www.hubaustralia.com/

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

Lifeline on 13 11 14

13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

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