Public Defenders response to COVID-19 crisis
There are two new features on our web site: firstly a one-stop resource page for criminal lawyers and secondly a platform for collecting lawyers’ experiences of what is and is not working, and problems with, the emergency procedures.
Why we are collecting feedback
We are seeking to collect and maintain an objective record of the experiences of criminal lawyers under the temporary emergency procedures to inform the profession, the courts and the government about:
1. how the emergency procedures are, and are not, working during the crisis;
2. how the emergency procedures are impacting upon the rights of accused persons including the right to a fair trial;
3. how any procedures are affecting the safety of lawyers and others employed in the criminal justice system; and
4. how any procedures are affecting the safety of people in custody.
This information will be important to the ongoing management of the crisis and to addressing any proposals to extend any of the emergency measures into ongoing practice after the crisis.
Annual Public Defenders Criminal Law Conference 2020 Seminars - Now Available Online
The Public Defenders Criminal Law Conference 2020 audio and written material is now available here.