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Court in the Middle
From 1975 to 2001, Andrew Fraser was a leading criminal solicitor with a successful national practice. Then it all went horribly wrong. In 1999 he was charged with being knowingly concerned with the importation of a commercial quantity of cocaine. Fraser pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing, trafficking a small quantity, and using cocaine over a period of time. He was sentenced to seven years in maximum security prison. Court in the Middle describes his early yearsgrowing up in a family of lawyers, running hard to build a criminal law practice; his successful years with a national practice, and defending high profile, sometimes notorious, clients. He also discusses his relationship with cocaine, addiction and deals, crime and punishment, and the shocking details of his time spent in a maximum security prison.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 1, 2009
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and while I’m pleased I did so, I am happy enough to leave Mr Fraser and his experiences behind.
Who is Andrew Fraser? He was a successful criminal lawyer of some 30 years experience. During this time he represented some of Australia’s more colourful (read underworld) ‘identities’ and would have been well known on both sides of the law. Alas, Mr Fraser developed a cocaine habit which is what ultimately introduced him to the inside of the Australian prison system as an inmate rather than as a legal practitioner.
Leaving aside whether a seven year sentence (with a minimum of five to be served) was ‘fair’ in the circumstances, it does seem curious that Mr Fraser was imprisoned in a maximum security prison with a number of notorious criminals. This book, and a later book entitled ‘Lunatic Soup’, are a direct result of Mr Fraser’s experience and are articulate, if not always unbiased, accounts of his experiences.
Marketed as ‘a true story of cocaine, police, corruption and prison’ there are certainly some sensational elements. But beyond that, the book could be of interest to those with an interest in individual experiences of criminal justice and how well imprisonment serves its stated judicial objectives.
Towards the end of this book, Mr Fraser uses the following quote (attributed to Albert Einstein) as one of his chapter sub-headings:
‘Only two things are infinite: the Universe and human stupidity.’
True enough, but most humans have the capacity to learn from their stupidity and I hope that Mr Fraser has done likewise.
Who is Andrew Fraser? He was a successful criminal lawyer of some 30 years experience. During this time he represented some of Australia’s more colourful (read underworld) ‘identities’ and would have been well known on both sides of the law. Alas, Mr Fraser developed a cocaine habit which is what ultimately introduced him to the inside of the Australian prison system as an inmate rather than as a legal practitioner.
Leaving aside whether a seven year sentence (with a minimum of five to be served) was ‘fair’ in the circumstances, it does seem curious that Mr Fraser was imprisoned in a maximum security prison with a number of notorious criminals. This book, and a later book entitled ‘Lunatic Soup’, are a direct result of Mr Fraser’s experience and are articulate, if not always unbiased, accounts of his experiences.
Marketed as ‘a true story of cocaine, police, corruption and prison’ there are certainly some sensational elements. But beyond that, the book could be of interest to those with an interest in individual experiences of criminal justice and how well imprisonment serves its stated judicial objectives.
Towards the end of this book, Mr Fraser uses the following quote (attributed to Albert Einstein) as one of his chapter sub-headings:
‘Only two things are infinite: the Universe and human stupidity.’
True enough, but most humans have the capacity to learn from their stupidity and I hope that Mr Fraser has done likewise.
March 31, 2009
Highly engaging initially. But quickly becomes dry, like many non-fiction books.
April 21, 2010
This is one lawyer's personal account of 7 years in prison in Victoria. Horrifying.
November 26, 2012
A convicted drug addict claiming his sentence was unfair... Hmm I just can't seem to drum up much sympathy. Luckily, Fraser doesn't really seek it either. Although it's interesting to read about the inner workings and corruption of the Victorian Police in the 80's and 90's, and to take a peek into the lives and times of Australia's notorious criminals, my conclusion is that Andrew Fraser is more impressed with his knowing the who's who of crime and corruption than I am.
March 29, 2013
ALways wanted to know the true story about what happened to put THE Andrew Fraser behind bars.
I am now satisfied and shocked by the entire sordid mess.
Bravo for Andrew for surviving such a horrible situation behind bars and such a long sentence. Andrew's book but does reinforce the stupidity of using drugs and what they can cost you.
A book written straight from the heart - good job
I am now satisfied and shocked by the entire sordid mess.
Bravo for Andrew for surviving such a horrible situation behind bars and such a long sentence. Andrew's book but does reinforce the stupidity of using drugs and what they can cost you.
A book written straight from the heart - good job
January 2, 2010
Not a bad read. Becomes a little long winded. It is scary that our justice system can be so infiltrated by amoral people. Pity there is not some type of test to weed them out - or prevent them from working in that field in the first place.
February 3, 2020
A completely biased account of a crooked criminal lawyer. I appreciated his insight into the inner workings of the Victorian Criminal justice system and particularly the inefficiencies of Corrections Victoria however the author sounded bitter and without contrition for his offending whining like a blue blooded, private school boy who has not had his own way and blaming everyone when his situation was entirely his own doing.
We all make mistakes I only hope that Mr Fraser has learnt from his.
We all make mistakes I only hope that Mr Fraser has learnt from his.
April 21, 2025
Real
Great writing. I read this after lunacy soup though this was more about the story. Both great books and you don't mind that they overlap as his treatment in jail is just so unbelievably bad.
Because the book explains the criminal process in a mostly PC way I found it an easy read (though of course not appropriate for kids in or teens) but great read for adults.
Great writing. I read this after lunacy soup though this was more about the story. Both great books and you don't mind that they overlap as his treatment in jail is just so unbelievably bad.
Because the book explains the criminal process in a mostly PC way I found it an easy read (though of course not appropriate for kids in or teens) but great read for adults.
February 15, 2020
I stopped reading this book after a while it was so boring and badly written.
April 24, 2022
No holds barred views on the failings and misgivings of authority towards rehabilitation.
Nothing to lose attitude yet retained a semblance of control in recovery.
Nothing to lose attitude yet retained a semblance of control in recovery.
November 30, 2011
After finishing Lunatic Soup, I was quick to grab Court In The Middle. It felt almost that I started Lunatic Soup in the middle of a story, and I wanted to catch up and see what happened before hand.
The one thing that struck me with Court In The Middle is that writing wise, it didn’t feel to be written as well as Lunatic Soup. It felt almost, that Mr Fraser had been able to remove the emotion out of his writing in the second book, which is what made it so easy and enjoyable to read. Court In The Middle differs from this, in that whilst Mr Fraser admits to his own doings that led to his demise, it almost feels a bit whingy in parts, which was a bit disappointing.
That said, I still enjoyed it as a read and I am happy that I read Lunatic Soup first, because I was able to clearly see how Mr Fraser has grown as a writer between both books.
Watching Killing Time (TV1) knowing the back story is much more interesting as I have been able to fill in the blanks in the parts that I otherwise would not be able too.
I am looking forward to reading the third book, I am sure it’ll be another interesting read
The one thing that struck me with Court In The Middle is that writing wise, it didn’t feel to be written as well as Lunatic Soup. It felt almost, that Mr Fraser had been able to remove the emotion out of his writing in the second book, which is what made it so easy and enjoyable to read. Court In The Middle differs from this, in that whilst Mr Fraser admits to his own doings that led to his demise, it almost feels a bit whingy in parts, which was a bit disappointing.
That said, I still enjoyed it as a read and I am happy that I read Lunatic Soup first, because I was able to clearly see how Mr Fraser has grown as a writer between both books.
Watching Killing Time (TV1) knowing the back story is much more interesting as I have been able to fill in the blanks in the parts that I otherwise would not be able too.
I am looking forward to reading the third book, I am sure it’ll be another interesting read
August 27, 2012
Average book by an average author
March 23, 2014
This wasn't a bad book for a non fiction written by an ex lawyer who went to prison and paid a massive price for his mistake.
September 27, 2015
Interesting insight into the author's experience of being banged up in Victorian prisons.
October 23, 2016
Bit self indulgent but a terrible indictment on our correction system.
March 31, 2017
Very scary insight into the prison system. Hope I never find myself, family or friends experiencing this first-hand.
March 22, 2018
Very good
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews