Weekday mornings in Melbourne Magistrates Court are usually busy.
The ground floor courts are crammed, spare seats are snapped up in seconds and even standing room is at a premium.
Magistrate Jelena Popovic in court in 2018.Credit:Chris Hopkins
Not anymore. In Jelena Popovic's courtroom on Wednesday the dozen or so people inside was still too many for the deputy chief magistrate's liking.
"Can everyone please practice social distancing. If you're not needed in court please leave the precinct until your case is called," she said before even taking her seat.
"Anyway, good morning. I'm just trying to look after your health."
Courts are essential services, so they press on.
Ms Popovic has one goal for the day – to dispense justice fairly while getting everyone in and out as quickly as possible.
"I don't want to have to think for all of you – stay away from everyone," she says.
A police officer quietly moves seats as Ms Popovic presses on with urgency.
A name is called and the man approaches the bar table.
Things moved fast in the Magistrates Court on Wednesday.Credit:Penny Stephens
"Yes," Ms Popovic says.
The man begins to explain why he's making the application but the magistrate cuts him off.
"Yes – your application is granted," she clarifies.
Another doesn't even make it to the bar table before he's sent on his way.
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