At first glance, the trial division building of the Supreme Court is imposing. Narrow corridors, very high ceilings with grand chandeliers and ornate plasterwork. Nineteenth century stonework and cedar panelling. And then there’s the artwork - mostly portraits of stern looking men in big leather chairs looking down from under their wigs.

The effect of the original building is to communicate the authority - even fear - of the law. But things have changed a lot in that last few decades, and as the system changes, so too does the art and the architecture. Gradually, this 19th century heritage building is looking and feeling more like it belongs to a 21st century justice system.

At first glance, the trial division building of the Supreme Court is imposing. Narrow corridors, very high ceilings with grand chandeliers and ornate plasterwork. Nineteenth century stonework and cedar panelling. And then there&rsquo;s the artwork - mostly portraits of stern looking men in big leather chairs looking down from under their wigs.
The effect of the original building is to communicate the authority - even fear - of the law. But things have changed a lot in that last few decades, and as the system changes, so too does the art and the architecture. Gradually, this 19th century heritage building is looking and feeling more like it belongs to a 21st century justice system.

Drama has unfolded in these courtrooms for more than 130 years, from serial murderers and gangland wars to multimillion-dollar commercial disputes and celebrity defamation cases. Follow Greg Muller and Evan Martin as they take a step behind the bench of one of Australia’s oldest institutions and hear from judges as they explain why they make the decisions they do. Gertie's Law takes a deep dive into some of the lesser-known, misunderstood or complex parts of the court’s work, such as sentencing, mental health, juries and the criminal trial process. Revisit historic cases, meet the many people who work here, from judges to Corrections staff, and take a close look at how a modern justice system operates in a 19th century building. Authorised by the Supreme Court of Victoria, 210 William St, Melbourne

Drama has unfolded in these courtrooms for more than 130 years, from serial murderers and gangland wars to multimillion-dollar commercial disputes and celebrity defamation cases. Follow Greg Muller and Evan Martin as they take a step behind the bench of one of Australia&rsquo;s oldest institutions and hear from judges as they explain why they make the decisions they do. Gertie's Law takes a deep dive into some of the lesser-known, misunderstood or complex parts of the court&rsquo;s work, such as sentencing, mental health, juries and the criminal trial process. Revisit historic cases, meet the many people who work here, from judges to Corrections staff, and take a close look at how a modern justice system operates in a 19th century building. Authorised by the Supreme Court of Victoria, 210 William St, Melbourne

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