VLA and CLCs Flashcards
What are duty lawyers
They are lawyers VLA can provide that operate in the Magistrate’s or Children’s Court
What do duty lawyers provide (3)
Legal representation at hearing
Fact sheets on what happens in court
Legal advice for those in custody and who satisfy the income test
VLA define
A government agency that provides free legal advice to the community and low-cost representation for those who need it
What is a grant of legal representation
A sum of money that will pay for legal representation for a lawyer who can provide advice, do documents and represent in court
‘Means test’ criteria
An income of no more than $360 per week
The matter must have merit (a good chance of success)
The case must have benefit to the accused or the public
What is an order by the court
Where the court adjourns a trial until legal representation from VLA has been provided (must be unfair if the person can’t have representation)
VLA fairness S+W
S - duty lawyers, focus on most vulnerable
W - limited availability (missing middle)
VLA access S+W
S - Free information + casework
W - Information is general, limited and online mostly
VLA equality S+W
S - Information available to all + no discrimination in eligibility
W - Limited assistance (missing middle)
CLC define
Independent organisations that provide free legal services, especially for disadvantaged people
Generalist v.s Specialist CLCs
Generalist - broad legal servies
Specialist - particular groups of people/law (e.g Aboriginal, family violence)
CLCs fairness S+W
S - Better understanding, more equipped
W - Only minor assistance and advice
CLCs access S+W
S - available for most + free advice and information
W - Limited assistance + only available in some areas
CLCs equality S+W
S - Interpreters
W - strict criteria (missing middle) + no representation for serious offences
CLCs roles (4)
Initial legal advice
Provide basic information
Short-term duty lawyer assistance
Provide legal casework
