Monica Smit ordered to pay $250K after WINNING unlawful Covid arrest case

Summary

Monica Smith, a prominent Australian activist, discusses her legal victory against unlawful arrests during Melbourne's COVID-19 restrictions. Despite winning two-thirds of her case and proving her arrests were unjust, she faces a potential $250,000 legal bill for rejecting a settlement offer. Smith emphasizes the importance of public vindication over monetary compensation and warns of the chilling effect on justice-seeking individuals.

Takeaways

• 📖 Monica Smith, an Australian freedom fighter, faced three arrests during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne.
• 📖 She self-represented in court against a team of lawyers and won a partial victory, proving two out of three arrests were unlawful.
• 📖 Despite her win, Monica was ordered to pay over $250,000 in costs for rejecting a settlement offer and pursuing a public trial.
• 📖 The settlement offer was $115,000, which Monica found insulting and lacking in accountability from the police.
• 📖 Monica sought a public apology and vindication, which she views as more important than the monetary compensation.
• 📖 The judge awarded her only $4,000 in damages for the two unlawful arrests, citing her resilience as a reason for the low compensation.
• 📖 Even if Monica had won all three cases, the cost order would still have been issued due to her rejection of the settlement.
• 📖 Monica is planning to appeal the cost order to encourage others to pursue justice without fear of financial repercussions.
• 📖 She emphasizes that her case could set a precedent for others who have been unlawfully arrested during freedom rallies.
• 📖 Monica encourages people not to be afraid of pursuing justice, even if it means facing high costs, and to take deals if it suits their situation.

Q & A

Who is Monica Smith and what is her significance during the COVID era in Melbourne?

Monica Smith is described as one of Australia's most fearless freedom fighters from the COVID era. She was arrested multiple times during the COVID restrictions in Melbourne and is known for her legal battles against the authorities.

How many arrests did Monica Smith experience during the COVID madness in Melbourne?

Monica Smith experienced three arrests during the COVID madness in Melbourne.

What was the outcome of Monica Smith's court case regarding her arrests?

Monica Smith proved that two out of her three arrests were unlawful, effectively winning 66.66% of her case.

Did Monica Smith have legal representation during her court case?

No, Monica Smith self-represented herself against a team of lawyers, including two barristers and two solicitors.

What was the financial offer made to Monica Smith to avoid going to trial?

Monica Smith was offered $155,000 to avoid going to trial.

Why did Monica Smith reject the financial offer to avoid trial?

Monica Smith rejected the offer because it did not include a public apology or any form of accountability from the police.

How much was the judge's award for the two unlawful arrests in Monica Smith's case?

The judge awarded Monica Smith $4,000 in damages for the two unlawful arrests.

What was the cost order against Monica Smith after winning her case?

Monica Smith was ordered to pay up to and over $250,000 to the losing team after winning her case.

What message does Monica Smith believe the court's decision sends to the public?

Monica Smith believes the court's decision sends a dangerous message that even if you win a case, you can still lose in the end if you don't take a deal and pursue public vindication.

Does Monica Smith regret not taking the deal and going to trial?

No, Monica Smith does not regret her decision because she believes it is important to stand up for her rights and set a precedent for others who have been unlawfully arrested.

What is Monica Smith's stance on cost orders in court cases?

Monica Smith understands the existence of cost orders to prevent court system overload, but argues they should not apply to her case due to its public interest and her public profile.