b'From a motive of justiceGeorge Allen quickly gained a reputation for helping thoseGeorge appeared for Atkinson in the prosecution of in need. He was singled out by Governor George Gipps asBowman before the Bench of Magistrates. The matter was one always willing to undertake any office of a charitablea topic of heated discussion in the community and many nature. So it was not surprising that George came to theexpressed alarm at the conduct of the police superintendent assistance of William Atkinson, a former employee, whenand the magistrate. The Australian declared, A clearer prima he was ignored by the criminal justice system.facie case we never knew, yet the prisoner was allowed to leave court of his own accord and his counsel was allowed On 17 February 1831 Atkinson, the tipstaff for Justicethe utmost latitude in examination, and even to bully the Dowling, was walking to the judges house in Woolloomooloodeponent to discredit their testimony. Bowmans counsel across a neighbouring yard when the owner of the land (theargued, first, there was no evidence the gun had been inspector general of Colonial Hospitals, Dr James Bowman)pointed at Atkinson and not the dog; second, there was no opened fire in his direction. It was alleged Bowman deliberatelymalice; and third, if the prisoner had fired at the dog, but took aim at Atkinson, before calling for his servants and dogsinstead hit Atkinson, he would not have been deemed to to give chase. Atkinson attested he had taken the same pathhave fired his weapon illegally. Even with the testimony ofto work for thirteen months and at no point had Bowmanan eyewitness, the case against Bowman was dismissed. challenged him about entering his land. Thankfully, no harm had come to Atkinson as a result of the incident. The firm continues to honour George Allens social justice legacy through its commitment to providing pro bono legal In his defence, Bowman claimed the shot was aimed at theservices to community organisations and individuals who small dog accompanying Atkinson. Records show the dogwould otherwise struggle to find access to justice. The pro was so small it could fit in Atkinsons pocket and, at thebono practice today has a broad remit and touches every time the shots were fired, was walking alongside Atkinson. area of the firm, with a particular focus on the protection of human rights, support for Aboriginal and TorresStrait George was concerned that those with money and powerIslander individuals and organisations, enhancing were not required to face consequences for their actions. Heenvironmental sustainability and helping peoplewrote in his journal, I have taken up his case from a motivewith mental health challenges. of justice What a land is this in which we live the rich and the powerful too frequently oppress the poor and the powerless, but I thank God that even in this degraded place we have British law to curb those who would if they could set all at defiance.Sydney from Woolloomooloo 1849by GE Peacock.28'