These resources supplement the information contained in the following College bench books:
- Victorian Criminal Proceedings Manual
- Victorian Criminal Charge Book
- Victorian Sentencing Manual
- Victorian Sentencing Manual – Case Summaries
- Uniform Evidence Manual
For information on evidence law, please see our dedicated Evidence page.
Today, 40.3 million people live in modern slavery globally.
Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. It covers a wide range of abuse and exploitation including organ trafficking, trafficking in persons/children, forced labour or services, debt bondage and forced marriage.
Produced at the request of the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity, this resource is the first of its kind in Australia.
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Bail Act 1977: Track changed version
This resource presents a track changed version of the Bail Act 1977, highlighting newly incorporated sections following changes introduced by the Bail Amendment Act 2023 (Vic). This document serves as a reference point, allowing you to quickly grasp the amendments made to the existing law. -
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Section 3A bail considerations
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the significant factors now required for consideration when determining bail for an accused person who identifies as Aboriginal, as a result of changes introduced by the Bail Amendment Act 2023 (Vic) to the Bail Act 1977 (Vic). This resource offers a high-level understanding of the key elements crucial in such cases. -
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Bail considerations for Aboriginal people
This guide is designed to aid cases involving Aboriginal individuals seeking bail. It addresses the amendments to section 3A of the Bail Act 1977 made by the Bail Amendment Act 2023. This resource delves deeper into the specific considerations and nuances relevant to such scenarios, offering comprehensive guidance for judicial officers. -
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Report into the death of Veronica Nelson: Implications for bail practices.
Judge Fiona Todd's address at the VLA, OPP & VALS Bail Conference on March 21, 2024, highlights the preventable death of Veronica Nelson and emphasises the importance of systemic awareness in bail applications for Aboriginal individuals.
These resources supplement the Victorian Sentencing Manual and the Victorian Sentencing Manual – Case Summaries.
Commonwealth matters
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Sentencing of Federal Offenders in Australia: A Guide for Practitioners (7th ed)
Produced by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, this guide contains detailed information about the law of federal sentencing, including the relevance of various sentencing factors, and the available sentencing options for Commonwealth offences.
Ancillary orders
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Guide to the Serious Offenders Act 2018
The Serious Offenders Act 2018 regulates Victoria's post-sentence supervision and detention regime. This guide explains the operation of the legislation along with reference to relevant case-law on the tests for making orders and sentencing for breaches of orders.
These resources supplement information in the bench books:
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Sexual offence reforms 2023
The Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Act 2022 (the Act) implements reforms coming out of the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s ‘Improving the Response of the Justice System to Sexual Offences’ report. This summary supplements information in the College’s bench books to provide a short overview of the major parts of the reforms which commence on 30 July 2023. -
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Confidential Communications
Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958 Part 2, Division 2A regulates when confidential communications by sexual offence complainants to medical practitioners and counsellors can be subpoenaed and admitted. This guide outlines the operation of Division 2A by reference to relevant authorities. -
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Guide to the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004
The Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 creates ongoing reporting obligations for those convicted of certain offences, with provisions for automatic and discretionary registration. This guide outlines the circumstances for automatic and discretionary registration, and the test for when to order discretionary registration. -
External LinkNON-LEGAL KNOWLEDGE
ANVIL Categorisation of Child Exploitation Material
The ANVIL categorisation scheme produced by the Australian Federal Police provides a systematic way to analyse the severity of child exploitation material, with explanations of the different categorisation levels which may be referred to in proceedings. -
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Case Note: R v Bauer (2018) 266 CLR 56
A leading case on the admissibility of tendency evidence in a single complainant sexual offence proceeding. This case note summarises the decision and the court’s guidance on admissibility, and the use of previous trial recordings and complaint evidence.