Victoria's legal system
Understand which laws apply in Victoria and who’s who in the legal sector.
Topics
Victoria's laws come from several different sources — the Australian Constitution, Victorian and federal legislation, and common law.
Courts and tribunals apply the law in Victoria and throughout Australia.
Many government bodies and institutions deal with the law and law-related matters - here are some of the most significant.
Victoria is home to many statutory and independent bodies that offer free or low-cost legal services.
Before old laws are amended or new laws are made, a number of organisations and bodies undertake considerable consultation, research and planning.
In Victoria, legal professionals work across many organisations and bodies, as well as providing advice and appearing in court.
Resources
Latest news
Hear from leading access to justice scholar Professor Emily Taylor Poppe, in discussion with VLF’s Hugh McDonald and Lynne Haultain, on where access to justice is headed and needs to be.
And that’s a close to Victorian Law Week 2025! After more than 100 events across metropolitan and regional Victoria, thousands of people had the opportunity to learn what to do and where to get help when life and the law meet.
In our latest Research Network, First Step Legal’s Lisa Ward joined us to examine the intersection between health and law in an integrated and people-centred service.
Legal problems and health issues: insights from the PULS
People with physical and mental health issues fare badly at law. Responding to the evidence through effective policy and practices could make a significant difference to many people.