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Clip description
Aboriginal Legal Service lawyer Drew Ellis (Aaron Pedersen) arrives by plane for his first day in the Circuit Court, at the Junction Court of Petty Sessions in a remote Aboriginal community. He greets the Legal Aid lawyer, Ellie Zdybicka (Marta Kaczmarek), and is shown around by ALS Aboriginal Liaison Officer Sam Wallan (Kelton Pell). Sam hands him a large pile of files – the cases being heard today. Drew goes looking for his clients as Magistrate Peter Lockhart (Gary Sweet) arrives to hear the first matter.
Curator’s notes
The establishing shot that opens this clip is excellent in suggesting the remoteness of this Aboriginal community. The use of a hand-held camera then effectively conveys two things: lawyer Drew Ellis’ (Aaron Pedersen) rush from the airport to the Circuit Court and his confusion in being presented with a pile of court documents with little time to brief his clients. The chaos is then almost comically undercut with the arrival of the magistrate as the courtroom and those in it observe familiar protocols.
There’s a lot going on in this clip with a lot of messages about the legal system in remote Aboriginal communities. Keen attention has been given to how this is presented.
