3.1.6 the role of VLA and CLC Flashcards
define victorian legal aid
a government-funded agency that
provides free legal information,
advice, and free or low-cost
legal representation.
what is the purpose of Victorian legal aid
to make a difference by resolving and preventing legal problems, and encouraging a fair and transparent justice system
list and describes three objectives of victorian legal aid
provide accessible legal aid services, such as by providing individuals with
information and advice over the phone
provide free or low-cost legal aid services to those who need it the most,
ensuring legal aid is available on an equitable basis in Victoria
ensure legal aid services are distributed to parties based on their financial
situation, individual circumstances, and seriousness and nature of their problem
what criteria must an accused satisfy for a duty lawyer
the income test
explain the income test
An accused will satisfy the income test if they can either:
– demonstrate their income is limited
– show a current Centrelink Benefit Card or Pensioner Concession Card
as this demonstrates their main source of income is welfare payments from
the government.
what criteria must an accused satisfy for grants of legal advice
the means test
explain the means test
The means test involves VLA considering an accused’s income, assets, and
expenses to determine whether the applicant meets the required thresholds.
-may still need to pay fro some costs
-considers likelihood of the cases success
define community legal centres
Community legal centres (CLCs) not-
for-profit community organisations that
provide free legal information, advice,
education, and casework services.
what are the two types of CLC’s
-generalist CLC
-specialist CLC
define generalist CLC
Generalist CLCs that can assist individuals in a particular geographical area and
can provide legal services for a broad range of legal matters.
define specialist CLC’s
provide legal services regarding a specific area of law
or for a particular group of people.
e.g youth law provides free legal services to those under 25
what can CLC’s provide
legal information
*
legal advice
*
duty lawyers
*
legal representation.
purpose of CLC
CLCs are independent organisations that aim
to enhance access to justice for members of the
community by providing free general and specialist
legal services.
