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Criminal Procedure and Evidence

New legislation to streamline criminal procedure and improve evidence laws commenced on 1 January 2010. The Criminal Procedure Act 2009 provides modern, clear, efficient and fair procedures that will help to reduce delays in the justice system.

The Evidence Act 2008 will bring Victoria into line with uniform evidence laws across much of Australia and cuts red tape for Victorian businesses, government and the not-for-profit sector.

Both Acts stem from a range of initiatives to modernise Victoria’s justice system.

The new laws mean a significant amount of change for people working in the justice system, particularly in the criminal jurisdiction.

The Department of Justice has been coordinating the implementation of the reforms, which depend on the efforts of many, including the courts, the Judicial College of Victoria, the Office of Public Prosecutions, Victoria Legal Aid, Victoria Police, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Bar Council and Criminal Bar Association and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Links to the Legislation Guide, Ready Reckoners and other relevant material is attached below.