Bench Notes

Back to Work Bench
Back to the Text Index
Back to Work Space
1. Drink driving

The same information can be displayed
very differently by using two different
kinds of software.

sentencing

  • .avi file ; wordprocessing software
  • video file; video production software-
    demonstrates why video is the wrong software for making bench notes
    (conference CD only; too large for internet display)
  • .gif; animated Gif file-
    demonstrates why animated gif constructors are the wrong software for making bench notes

The three files demonstrate that while wordprocessing software is useful for magistrates making benchnotes, video/animation software is not. The video file also demonstrates why musicians and record companies worry about computerised "intellectual piracy".

The video and animated gif files demonstrate why it is important for judges and magistrates to know enough about IT to ensure that their IT is user driven.
2. Personal injury

Calculating the damages assessment
3. Sentence

Sentencing calculations.

I try to avoid the complications which arise when gaol authorities do not implement backdating of head sentences and non-parole periods (when the sentencing of the prisoner cancels parole) by using a spreadsheet.

The spreadsheet means I do not have to adjourn to do the necessary calculations before I impose the sentence.
4. Acts and Cases

On this page you will find law resources magistrates can access if they have a laptop, a modem, browser software and a telephone line. Cut and paste the Act or the case into the wordprocessor using a mouse, or download and take it with you, stored on the hard disk.

Mr. Justice Wood spoke of experiencing a kind of "library deprivation syndrome". I faced it too, when I became a magistrate instead of doing counsel work. Magistrates are supplied with basic libraries at larger courts.

Access to libraries decreases as magistrates travel away from the courts where judges sit. No libraries exist in places like Bordertown.

No-one is going to spend a fortune on commercial CDRoms for magistrates to take on the road with us, although a laptop with a CDRom drive may be the cure for LDS that Mr. Justice Wood is looking for.

We may not be able to read older caselaw, but from places like Bordertown we can read the decisions being handed down in the US and Canadian Supreme Courts, the House of Lords, our own High Court, the Federal Court, and the Supreme Courts of most Australian states.

And the Acts are updated for us. Updating is a task which can consume an inordinate amount of our time.
5. Synthesis and Storage

Text and html files
6. Coping with Change Together
7. Self Protection

Technical notes:

.Avi files prepared using an evaluation copy of "Hypercam"
Image files prepared using an evaluation copy of "Hysnap"

Animated images prepared using evaluation copy of "Gifconstructor" to join image prepared
in CorelDdraw 3 and Adobe Photoshop 4