Gertie's Law

Where does criminality originate? What makes a great barrister? Do funny things happen in court? Would a judge know how to get away with murder?

In the final episode of the season, we get the answers to your questions.

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There's a view that judges and journalists don't always see eye to eye. In a bonus episode of Gertie's Law we assembled four Supreme Court judges and four court reporters - put them in a room together, and recorded it.

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Despite most Victorians never having direct interaction with the Supreme Court, most still have an opinion about it, and those opinions are predominantly formed by the media.

It's a fundamental principle of our legal system that justice is done in open court.

Journalists therefore serve as the guardians of an open justice system.

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A Supreme Court judge is one of the most senior positions in the law and also one of the most criticised. Find out what it's like to be a judge at the Supreme Court; how they're appointed, confronting personal bias, and staying mentally healthy while dealing with constant violence and death.

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When you think of the Supreme Court, it’s natural for your mind to go straight to murders and terrorism. 

This episode is about the areas of this court which rarely, if ever, appear on the TV news. From fighting over wills and the Master of Lunacy to corporate battles and urgent medical disputes.

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Fifty years ago, the Menhennitt Ruling was an example of judge-made law and it determined the legality of abortion in Victoria. In this episode of Gertie's Law, we find out why it was left to the Supreme Court, and not the parliament, to decide on such a controversial social issue. Hear from judges and people directly affected by the 1969 ruling.

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From arrest to sentence (or acquittal), we take you through the entire process (Legal Aid, committal hearing, mentions, trial, verdict and appeal).

If you're charged with a serious crime in Victoria, this is what you can expect.

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We've received your questions.

From capital punishment and gender in the law to speeding fines and staying awake in court, we put your questions to judges.

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Almost every day, randomly selected Victorians, often with no experience in or knowledge of the law, sit in court passing judgement on their fellow citizens.

Learn how the jury system works and the challenges jurors face, such as staying off social media, leaving their sympathies at home and getting their heads around complex forensic evidence.

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At first glance, the trial division building of the Supreme Court is imposing. Narrow corridors, very high ceilings with grand chandeliers and ornate plasterwork. Nineteenth century stonework and cedar panelling. And then there’s the artwork - mostly portraits of stern looking men in big leather chairs looking down from under their wigs.

The effect of the original building is to communicate the authority - even fear - of the law. But things have changed a lot in that last few decades, and as the system changes, so too does the art and the architecture. Gradually, this 19th century heritage building is looking and feeling more like it belongs to a 21st century justice system.

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