An inside look at the machinations of Australia’s busiest local court sees Sydney’s top Magistrates dealing with a violent street brawl that has a surprising outcome, a long running stoush between neighbours and a father of three facing graffiti charges.

Sydney’s top Magistrates dole out punishment for a spate of alcohol-fuelled crimes. Two British backpackers have violently attacked a café owner, an attractive mortgage broker has driven over-the-limit for the third time, while a drunk day at the races ends up in a man urinating on a poker machine.

People from all walks of life end up in Australia’s busiest local court. A drug addict, two disrespectful twenty-somethings and a priest who has been charged during a protest appear before the Magistrates. Before the law all are treated equally.

Sending a defendant to jail is never an easy decision for Magistrates in Australia’s busiest local court. Three defendants are now before them on serious charges, including a king hit and a robbery. The Magistrates’ judgments could change lives forever.

Sydney’s busiest local courts are home to heartbroken parents supporting errant children as they face the full weight of the law. A young man has attacked police at Mardi Gras, a budding athlete has been caught possessing ice, and a man on a second drink driving charge is read the riot act.