Table of contents

Guideline 4 – coronial inquests

VLA may make a grant of legal assistance to a person for a coronial inquest if either:

  • it is reasonably likely that the person will be charged with a serious offence (for example, murder, manslaughter or culpable driving)
  • it is in the public interest that the person be legally represented.

Documentary requirements

Applications under this guideline can only be submitted via the standard grants assessment process.

A member of the section 29A practitioner panel or section 30 referral panel or other person seeking a grant of legal assistance should forward the following documents for assessment:

  • a completed VLA application form
  • after referring to guideline 4 and all available material, the lawyer’s assessment of any charge which the person applying for the grant of legal assistance may face (if the application is made via a lawyer)
    or
  • the lawyer’s assessment of how it may be in the public interest for the person applying for the grant of legal assistance to be represented (if the application is made via a lawyer)
  • documentary proof of any State special circumstances
  • relevant proof of means.