Application
This unit applies to individuals who provide high-level support services to legal practitioners in criminal law matters.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare for the provision of high-level support on criminal law matters | 1.1 Circumstances that require the provision of high level support on criminal law are identified. 1.2 Circumstances are analysed and the discipline issues are interpreted and clearly defined. |
2. Receive enquiry | 2.1 Enquirer’s needs are identified, analysed and clarified in accordance with legal practices and procedures. 2.2 Legal limits of own responsibility are clearly outlined to enquirer before any information is imparted. 2.3 Enquiries outside one’s area of responsibility are identified and assistance is sought or enquiry is referred on to a legal officer where appropriate. |
3. Provide information in criminal law | 3.1 Enquirer’s or event details and problem/s are recorded in accordance with legal practices and procedures. 3.2 Information is relayed where available and appropriate.. 3.3 Research is conducted within the scope of own responsibility. 3.4 Non |
4. Consult legal officer to resolve issues | 4.1 Issues are communicated to legal officer and resolution/action is discussed. 4.2 Suggested action/resolution is carried out. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
analyse information communicate ideas logically conduct research identify and evaluate status of information prepare legal documents use appropriate legal terminology |
Required Knowledge |
applicable legal practices and procedures required in the full range of tasks covered codes of practice, ethical standards Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA) and related legislation legal limits of own responsibility relevant legal terminology relevant legal process, legislation and sections, and stages involved in the legal process |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: provide high level support on criminal law matters analyse the circumstances surrounding the matter conduct research consult legal officers provide information while at all times complying with legislative requirements, policy and standards, and demonstrate an awareness of access, equity and diversity principles and practices. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated workplace contexts. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to appropriate documentation and resources normally found in the work environment. |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Circumstances that require the provision of advice on service discipline and criminal law may include: | Complaint Events arising that may disclose a service offence Legal inquiry Non Seeking information Seeking referral Someone seeking disclosable information |
Criminal law may include: | DFDA which has jurisdiction over service personnel and incorporates the Commonwealth Crimes Act and Commonwealth Evidence Act state criminal law including the following: Criminal Codes (Queensland, WA) Criminal Code (Tasmania) Crimes Act 1900 (ACT, NSW) Crimes Act 1958 (Victoria) Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) Common Law for NSW, Victoria and SA |
Enquirer may include: | Commanders Civilian employees of the defence organisation Defence civilians Disciplinary appointees, including officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers Other members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) outside agencies |
Identification, analysis and clarification of enquirer’s needs may include: | Accommodating any communication difficulties Clarification of request or problem by summarising and repeating summaries to ensure that information gathered is reflective of the information that the enquirer wishes to communicate And may include the requirement to communicate: in writing in person verbally via third party electronically Sensitivity to enquirer’s emotional/physical state, cultural and service background |
Legal limits of own responsibility may include: | Client and the Defence legal service (e.g. Privacy Act, secrecy laws, ethical practices, codes of practice) Provision of legal advice by a person who is not a qualified legal officer as defined by the Legal Practice Act Relevant state/territory/commonwealth legislation |
Information may include: | Areas of the Defence legal service law/practice Charges and review process Correct contact in the Defence legal service Disciplinary process Jurisdiction Non Punishments and orders |
Legal practices and procedures may include:: | emergency procedures handling contingencies information sources information specific to the Defence legal service interviewing process protocol for accommodating specific client needs such as case manager, social worker, parole officer, translator, interpreter, service requirement protocol for handling enquiries providing disclaimers recording information security/confidentiality/privacy procedures telephone protocol verifying and authorising information |
Non | Legally privileged information Organisationally classified or caveated information Relevant state/territory/commonwealth legislation |
Resolution/action may include: | Advising the enquirer after researching the appropriate information Not pursuing the matter Referring enquirer to another legal officer or practitioner Referring enquirer to supervisor or appropriate authority Referring enquirer to the appropriate government department |
Carrying out resolution/action may include: | Alternate dispute resolution processes Documenting and filing communication Informing caller of resolution Notifying relevant department of enquiry Promptly contacting enquirer where appropriate Providing written or oral advice Recording contact on database |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.