A rebel on the legal bench

David Heilpern with stories of drama, crime and heartache from his 21 years as a country magistrate (CW: references to drug use and sexual assault)For 21 years David Heilpern was a country magistrate in towns including Dubbo, Brewarrina and Lismore.This meant he was the Coroner, the Children's Court Judge, and the person handling all the domestic violence, assault, robbery, drug and driving offences.The workload was intense, and life on the bench could be lonely. On Monday morning, he might have 90 people lined up outside his courtroom waiting for him to administer justice.During his time in the job David endured death threats, people trashing the courtroom after being refused bail, and some who addressed him as 'Your Majesty'.David was a magistrate well known for his compassion. He would often challenge the police, or stand up for victims of domestic violence.In Dubbo in 1999 he dismissed a charge against a man who allegedly told a policeman holding the handlebars of his bike: 'get your f--king hands off' it.More recently he took a stand over tough drug driving laws in NSW, which see many people lose their licence.David also spoke out during his time on the bench about the vicarious trauma he experienced in having to examine some of society's most terrible crimes.Further informationHelp and support is always available.Lifeline is available for 24 hour crisis support at 13 11 14If this conversation has been difficult to hear you can also contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or chat to them via their websiteTo binge even more great episodes of the ‘Conversations podcast’ with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

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