Launch of New Legal Resource
A new online DV resource has been provided to Judges across the country.
The Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (AIJA) has launched, the first stage of the National Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book. The release of stage two is anticipated in June 2017.
The development of the resource was in consultation with Judicial Officers, legal practitioners and specialists across all Australian jurisdictions.
Project Leader, Professor Heather Douglas of UQ’s TC Beirne School of Law who in partnership with the AIJA developed the book has said “The Bench Book aims to harmonise the treatment of domestic and family violence cases across jurisdictions and assist with decision making and Judgement writing”.
The Bench Book will provide comprehensive guidance for all Judicial Officers in all jurisdictions on issues relating to domestic and family violence. It will include examples of what events will constitute domestic violence. It is seen as a valuable resource to promote best practice in domestic and family violence related cases providing not only background information and knowledge supported by research, but links to legal and related resources and practical suggestions relating to Courtroom management.