Public Defenders Act

The Public Defenders are a creature of statute whose functions are specified in the Public Defenders Act 1995 and include advising and appearing in criminal and related proceedings for legally aided persons.

Proceedings in which Public Defenders may appear include all aspects of criminal law and other proceedings affecting the liberty of a person such as parole hearings and applications for continuing detention orders and extended supervision orders.

Legally assisted persons are people who are represented by the Aboriginal Legal Service, Legal Aid NSW, a Community Legal Centre or a private solicitor under a grant of Legal Aid.

Public Defenders, including the Senior Public Defender and Deputy Senior Public Defenders are appointed under the Act for a fixed term of 7 years.

Last updated:

15 Nov 2024