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Judicial Education Judicial College of Victoria

The Judicial College of Victoria (JCV) is an independent statutory authority tasked with providing education programs and resources to Victoria’s judicial officers.

The college keeps Victorian judges, magistrates and VCAT members:

• in touch with the community
• aware of pressing social issues
• in tune with technology
• up-to-date with latest developments in the law.

It achieves this by developing and conducting judicial education programs, producing relevant publications and providing educational strategies addressing different learning preferences and styles.

College Publications

The College produces a range of publications under the guidance of Judicial Editorial Committees. These publications are regularly updated, practical guides to the law and they contain material relevant to all Victorian jurisdictions. 

College publications can be accessed for online viewing free from the Judicial College website or via the links below:

• Aon Case Note
• Civil Procedure Bench Book
• Family Violence and Stalking Resources
• Sexual Assault Manual
• Search Warrants Manual
• Uniform Evidence Resources
• Victorian Criminal Charge Book
• Victorian Criminal Proceedings Manual
• Victorian Sentencing Manual

Face-to-face programs

Face-to-face programs promote opportunities for judicial officers to learn from and with their peers in law and other disciplines. These cross-jurisdictional programs are generally conducted in small groups of no more than thirty. The programs are designed to be interactive and scenario-based to share knowledge and experience. They utilise peer support, experiential learning and reflective practice principles.

Judicial Officers Information Network

The Judicial Officers Information Network (JOIN) is a cross-jurisdictional intranet for Judicial Officers that includes JCV electronic bench books and manuals to increase the use of technology and the sharing of knowledge and information. This self-help resource uses technology to deliver knowledge and information in a user-friendly way

Visits and field trips

Visits and field trips to correctional, forensic and rehabilitative facilities expand thinking and introduce different perspectives.

Two-year induction framework for new appointees

To ease the transition from legal practice to Bench, the college has developed an induction framework that operates over first two years post-appointment. At the end of two years, new appointees are well equipped to perform their judicial functions competently and with confidence.

The college was established by the Judicial College of Victoria Act 2001. It commenced operation in November 2002 and was officially launched in May 2003.