Judicial officers have an obligation to ensure that participants in the court process, including witnesses and complainants, are treated fairly.
The College has created and curated resources to help judicial officers understand and meet this obligation.
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External LinkNON-LEGAL KNOWLEDGE
Disability Access Bench Book
This bench book provides information and guidance for judicial officers on their role in making courts accessible for people with disabilities. It provides technical assistance to promote access to justice and has a particular focus on what adjustments judicial officers should make – including adjustments to communication and in directing hearings – where people with a disability are complainants, defendants, witnesses or otherwise participating in hearings. -
External Link
Equal Justice Bench Book
This bench book provides a profile of Western Australia and detailed information on various forms of diversity, including religion, disability, age, cultural and linguistical background, gender, sexuality and First Nations identity, and practical information on removing or reducing any form of disadvantage or inequality in a manner that is fair to all parties. -
External Link
Equality before the Law Bench Book
Produced by the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, this bench book provides information on how identifying as First Nations, cultural and linguistic diversity, religious affiliation, disability, gender, sexuality and age may be relevant to a person’s experience of court proceedings.
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External LinkSKILLS
Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals
These national standards recommended by the Judicial Council on Diversity and Inclusion aim to promote procedural fairness for witnesses or participants who require interpreters, and a better working relationship between courts, the legal profession and the interpreting profession.
Please note: materials in this section are accessible to logged-in users only.
The following resources were prepared by Michael Clark, Director of Build Motivation – the Centre for Strength-Based Strategies, for the ‘Courtcraft masterclass: motivating change in short timeframes’ event, 9 October 2024. Please note: some materials in this section are accessible to logged-in users only.
Please note: materials in this section are accessible to logged-in users only.
Please note: materials in this section are accessible to logged-in users only.