This is our second session of a new community of practice group for lawyers working in police accountability. We're hoping this will be a space to build expertise, skills and community to improve our litigation and systemic advocacy in this space.

For those who want to join, we'll have social drinks after if there's enough interest (venue suggestions welcome!).

CPD session: Defending charges on the basis of police misconduct

Dom and Julian’s presentation will cover both the practicalities, and the legal foundations, of defending criminal charges on the basis of police misconduct. Topics covered will include forward-looking approaches to taking instructions, evidence gathering and compelling disclosure, making exclusionary arguments, using the Charter and forensic-decision making and cross-examination at the voir dire or contest/trial.

Dominique Lardner

Dominique has worked as a solicitor advocate in criminal law for the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. Dominique has also worked as a solicitor in the Trial Division of the OPP (Vic) and is currently employed as a solicitor advocate in the Youth Crime Team at Victoria Legal Aid.

Julian Murphy

Julian R Murphy is a barrister who practices in criminal, administrative and constitutional law, as well as torts against public authorities (including police). Prior to coming to the Bar he was criminal appeals manager at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency.

Format

The format of the CPD will be a short presentation from Dom and Julian, followed by a short Q+A. We'll then open the floor to casework questions relating to any issues involving police accountability, (criminal and civil).

Eligibility

The community of practice is open to:

Defence lawyers,
Community lawyers, and
Lawyers doing police torts work.

Other workers and lawyers are welcome to attend upon request.

Please note the sessions are not open to lawyers doing a substantial portion of prosecutorial work or currently prosecuting matters, lawyers who are employed of or briefed by the Victorian Government Solicitors Office or the Australian Government Solicitor to intervene in criminal proceedings, or lawyers who defend the Victorian or Commonwealth Government against police torts. Please have a look at the Terms of Reference if you'd like more information about the group.

Accessibility

Please note:

access to the building is via a ramp or stairs;
the event room can be accessed via the lift on the main floor; and
the building has accessible toilets and automatic doors.

Please let us know if you have any other accessibility requirements.

Inquiries

Please contact Odette at the Police Accountability Project with any inquiries, at odette.shenfield@imcl.org.au.