Diarrhoea and the Law

Throughout January and February, I’ve been doing work experience with a magistrate at the local courts in Sydney, and what can I say, it has been interesting to say the least. In the midst of learning the language of the court, the section 10 bonds and all the “please stands”, you get some genuinely funny cases. 

The courtroom is often portrayed as a regal looking room filled with grand, dark mahogany furniture, but in reality the local court is actually nothing like Judge Judy – sometimes people in lycra turn up to plead their case (not recommended).

Perhaps the most unexpected lesson I learned came from a man representing himself over a speeding charge. Pleading guilty, but with an excuse, which if found to be reasonable (and in conjunction with a good record), would allow a section 10. In other words, they wouldn't be convicted, but placed on a good behaviour bond.

To cut a long story short, the man pleaded with the excuse that he had diarrhoea. He was speeding 30km/h over the speed limit because he was absolutely traumatized by his irregular bowel movement.

You would think that diarrhoea is a taboo word in the courts, and in some ways it is. But it definitely makes for a more interesting story than some of other excuses, and it is legitimately a compelling reason for speeding (please note that I’m not advocating law-breaking). Which leads me to this.

Lesson #1: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Yes it is so so cliché. But there is so much to gain by doing so. Maybe it means that I don’t just travel this year, but do some more meaningful things – not just volunteering, but doing something that no other people would do...

Who knows what kind of doors may open.