Courts provided legal assistance to Aborigines

Prior to 1841, courts provided legal assistance to Aborigines accused of serious crimes if the need arose. Often this only occurred at the onset of the trial from among the members of the bar present in the court. This was the case for Charlie Muscle, Currinbong Jemmy, Leggamy, Little Dick, Little Freeman, Major, Monkey, Tom Jones and Whip-em-up before Judge Burton on 11 February 1835. (Burton, 25-35)