Resources

These resources have been compiled to provide information, education and resources on sexual harassment for those who work in Victorian Courts and VCAT.

A Bench Book including model jury directions, checklists, and commentary for criminal offences and on evidentiary and procedural issues in criminal trials.

A manual on sentencing in Victoria, including guidance and commentary on process, sanctions, statutory schemes, and circumstances.

An updated collection of summaries of sentencing cases in the Victorian Court of Appeal and County Court.

A manual on the law of criminal procedure, including commentary on relevant authorities and legislation.

Contains explanations and commentary on various forms of negligence and other torts, the use and assessment of evidence, and calculation of damages.

A Bench Book with model jury directions. 

A manual on the law of workplace or transport accident injuries, including commentary on tests, limitation periods, and the operation of medical panels.

A Bench Book on the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010. Contains information on when to make an intervention order and the interaction between personal safety intervention orders and family violence intervention orders.

Contains explanations of key components of the Evidence Act 2008, including commentary and discussion. Note – This manual is currently undergoing a major update, as some material is out of date.

A Bench Book on human rights law. Contains information on Victoria’s key human rights legislation, jurisprudence on individual rights and the operation of the Charter on statutory interpretation and the functions of courts.

A Bench Book on the law relating to suppression orders and closed court orders. Contains commentary on open justice principles and model orders.

A Bench Book that provides information and general best practice principles for judicial officers on their role in making the courts accessible for people with disabilities.

A Bench Book on the law concerning family violence in Victoria, including information on when to make a family violence intervention order, sentencing for contravention offences, and theory concerning family violence.

A Bench Book on the operation of the Children's Court, including information on the family and criminal divisions, and available programs and services.

This resource focuses on how modern slavery issues are likely to arise in Australian courts and provides useful information to assist judicial officers in hearing such cases.

These resources have been compiled to assist Victorian judicial officers work with child and otherwise vulnerable witnesses in the courtroom.

A collection of bail resources, including flowcharts, annotated lists of conditions, schedule offences, and Key Bail Act Cases.

A collection of summaries of significant decisions and guides to key Acts. 

A Guide to assist judicial officers in identifying and responding to the diverse characteristics, experiences and needs of victims. Contains key considerations, definitions and links to further resources.

Summaries of significant civil decisions.

A guide that explains the operation of the new Act and incorporates relevant principles and cases.

Checklists on mention dates and mandatory considerations.

A regularly updated collection of summaries of recently published academic writing from local and international journals. 

A collection of resources on evidence law. Contains relevant case notes, flowcharts, knowledge tests and further reading.

A collection of summaries of all significant Charter cases from the Supreme Court of Victoria. Contains a description of the factual issues, area of law, and a thorough account of the Charter arguments and the outcome.

A collection of resources including flowcharts, guides, collected cases, and reference material.

A collection of papers delivered at College education events, as well as a special issue on the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. 

A collection of resources on judicial wellbeing. Contains information on judicial stress, wellbeing and where to get help.

A collection of additional resources on family violence. Contains commentary on key legislative amendments, and flowcharts that describe the decision-making process.

A curated library of essential resources that explore the complex dynamics of family violence and focus on how to work with victims and perpetrators in the courtroom.

The COAT Practice Manual for Tribunals is a resource developed by COAT to assist tribunal members in carrying out their role. The Manual is a practical resource with information on various issues, including procedural fairness, evidentiary issues, conducting hearings, decision-making and drafting reasons.

A collection of guides designed for use as a training resource and as a reference for primary decision makers in Commonwealth agencies, and standards of conduct for Tribunal Members.

With a rapid increase in the number of online hearings taking place, the College has produced a quick reference guide for judicial officers on tips and tricks for when and how to modify tribunal craft online.

A collection of resources on reading and understanding urine drug screen reports. Contains a webinar recording, a tip sheet and FAQs.

A collection of resources to help support the wellbeing of the judiciary and broader community during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Commentary on contractual issues likely to arise as a result of the pandemic, and an analysis of early jurisprudence in this area.

This resource tracks the developing impact of the pandemic on the common law and the application of general principles, whether it be to bail, sentencing, the decision to grant a trial by judge alone, or otherwise.

A short summary of the provisions of the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 as it relates to the operations of Victorian courts and tribunals.

Resources examining legislation and caselaw on allowing and conducting criminal trials by judge alone.

This resource looks at the nationwide operational impacts of the virus, such as limits on in-person hearings and security and hygiene measures, and is intended to help courts and court users understand the different practices that have been put in place across the jurisdictions.

With a rapid increase in the number of online hearings taking place, the College has produced a quick reference guide for judicial officers on tips and tricks for when and how to modify courtcraft online.

Following consultation with Victorian magistrates and specialist courts, this new resource offers insights into ways magistrates have been adapting their courtcraft during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Judicial work is meaningful and satisfying, but the pressures and demands of the role can be challenging. Hear experienced judicial officers reflect on how they have learned to navigate these challenges and how they thrive in their roles.

A conversation series for the judiciary, relating to the work of judges, magistrates and tribunal members. Hear a range of perspectives, stories and insights from colleagues and others in the justice system and beyond.