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Describe one role of community legal centres in assisting an accused - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
Describe one role of community legal centres in assisting an accused. Guy was the victim of an attack by Tom. He suffered significant injuries, including a fracture... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe one role of community legal centres in assisting an accused - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one role of community legal centres in assisting an accused.
Answer
One key role of community legal centres is to provide free legal advice to individuals facing criminal charges. These centres assist accused persons by educating them about their legal rights, the criminal process, and possible defenses available to them. This support is essential, especially for those who cannot afford private legal services, as it ensures that the accused is well-informed about their situation and can better navigate the legal system.
Step 2
Was Tom charged with a summary offence or an indictable offence? Give one reason for your answer.
Answer
Tom was charged with an indictable offence. This is evidenced by the fact that he was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment. Indictable offences are defined by their more severe potential penalties and the nature of the crime, such as serious assaults.