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Changes to Summary Procedure

From 1 January 2010, a number of important criminal procedure changes were introduced with the commencement of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 and Evidence Act 2008. The reforms are also supported by new Magistrates' Court Criminal Procedural Rules 2009.

The new legislation aims to help reduce delays as well as provide modern, clear, efficient and fair procedures. The anticipated benefits for the courts busy summary jurisdiction include

  • reduction of delays in charging people and bringing them before the court
  • reduction of unnecessary adjournments
  • early disclosure
  • improved efficiency without affecting rights of the accused
  • improved access to police prosecutor, early in the process to discuss access to material and charges.

Summary Procedure Steering Group Bulletins

The Summary Procedure Steering Group (SPSG) has been formed to monitor the implementation and roll out of summary procedure change arising from the introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.  The SPSG has produced a number of bulletins (see links below) that detail the developments in summary procedure process since initial implementation.

Contact

Brett Cain State Co-ordinator - Magistrates' Court, 
233 William Street, 
Melbourne VIC 3000 
Tel:  9628 7777

GPO Box 882G, 
Melbourne  VIC 3001