Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

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Exceptions to briefing preferred barristers for criminal trials

Indictable Crime Panel members are able to apply to Victoria Legal Aid for an exception to brief a barrister who is not on the Criminal Trial Preferred Barristers List for standard criminal trials. Major criminal trials may be eligible for exceptions to briefing from the Preferred Barrister List in exceptional circumstances. Major criminal trials are defined as trials that are likely to last more than 15 days.

Barristers themselves are not permitted to apply for an exception.

Practitioners should refer to the Notes on Criminal Law Guideline 4.1, Trials in the County and Supreme Courts for the exception application process.

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