A “low-flying” barrister’s life and times working in the Magistrates’ Court

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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