Hey! I’m slightly confused on what we must know for the last few study dot points including problems/difficulties faced by an individuals, recent changes and recommendations for change, elements of an effective legal system ?
Basically - what are some difficulties faced by people when they try to access the legal system, and how do they relate to the 3 elements of an effective legal system (Fair and Unbiased Hearing, Effective Access to the Legal System and a Timely Resolution of Disputes) ? I have studied 3 problems and difficulties - the problems faced by Indigenous Australians that prevent them from achieving a fair and unbiased hearing eg racism, the cost of legal proceedings such as legal fees inhibiting effective access to the legal system and delays affecting a timely resolution of disputes. Following on from that, link each difficulty to a reform and recommendation for change that seeks to combat the problem (reforms having occured within the last 5 years MAX)
So for Indigenous Australians - the extension of the Koori Court to the County Court in 2013. A recommendation may be extending the Koori Court to the Supreme Court.
Cost of legal proceedings - Legal Aid changes in 2014 that aimed to allow the most vulnerable people in the Family Court to access legal representation at trials. A recommendation could be a public defenders scheme recommended by the VLRC.
Delays - The Jury Directions Act of 2013 that aimed to simplify judges directions to the jury to prevent delays. appeals and retrials. A recommendation could be the extension of court hours including breakfast courts, weekend courts and night courts, suggested by former Attorney General Rob Hulls.