Legal Information

dispute Community Law Centres publish and distribute legal information on a range of different topics.

Information is arranged in categories according to the type of legal issue they relate to. The descriptions will help you to decide which category a legal issue falls into.

My legal issue is with a Government Agency or Local Council - see Public Law
My legal issue is within my family or relationship - see Family Law
My legal issue involves prosecution or arrest - see Criminal Law
My legal issue involves a dispute with another person - see Civil Law
My legal issue is about preparation of of legal documents - see Civil Law
I am a young person who needs legal advice - see Youth and the Law

Public Law

Administrative or Public law regulates relations between the individual and the state. It protects citizens from arbitrary or unlawful actions by government agencies. Public law ensures that government agencies and state officials do not overstep the limits of the power given to them by Parliament. It also regulates other administrative functions such as the registration of births and marriages and the granting of passports.

Family Law

Family law is an area of law that deals with family issues including the care of children, adult relationships, domestic violence and issues that arise when a family member is incapacitated in some way. These matters are usually dealt with in the Family Court.

Human Rights Complaints

If you have a complaint involving human rights check out the HRC site

Criminal Law

Criminal law covers matters where state authorities prosecute an individual and which can result in a criminal conviction and sentence. Most criminal prosecutions are taken by the police but in some circumstances other government agencies can also take action against those accused of committing an offence.

Civil Law, Property and Debt

Civil law, property and debt covers the area of law that relates to the private rights of individuals. This includes things such as contracts, consumer rights, debt, property rights and tenancy.

Youth and the Law

In most circumstances the law treats children and young people differently from adults. The law deals specifically with youth in a number of areas including the way young people are dealt with by the criminal justice system, legal ages and entitlements and their legal rights around issues such as employment and consumer law.

Legal Issues for Community Organisations

If your community organisation wants information on legal issues faced by charitable trusts or incorporated societies then click on Keeping It Legal for help and assistance.