Upcoming focus
In light of the experience learnt during the pandemic lock-down periods, the Committee will continue its advocacy work on the wider use and acceptance of AVL/VMR at all level of Courts, potentially for a wider range of proceedings. This may be achieved through lobbying a change to the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010. The Committee considers an increased adoption of AVL/VMR will reduce backlogs of cases, enhance access to justice, improve efficiency of Courts operations, as well as the business performance of criminal law practitioners, and reduce carbon emission by cutting down the need to travel.
Commitment
The Committee meets once a month online for an hour on the first Tuesday of each month at 8am.
Committee members are expected to contribute in:
- Drafting of submissions, Bills, and/or letters;
- Representing the Committee at stakeholders meetings;
- Appearing for The Law Association on matters where The Law Association is granted leave to be an intervenor;
- Writing articles, or being interviewed, for LawNews; and/or
- Assisting The Law Association CPD.
Junior Committee members may assist with the drafting of letters and conducting legal research.
In return, Committee members gain access to a network of senior criminal law practitioners who are passionate about criminal justice, restlessly advocating for access to justice, more efficient administration of the criminal justice system, and promoting the wellbeing of defence counsel.
