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Activist Legal Information

Legal info for activists

Student activists Trade unionists Environmental activists Cyber activists International solidarity activists Particular actions

Our rights to protest

Your Charter Rights

Common charges and offences

Obstruction Trespass Offensive language and behaviour Besetting Breach of the peace Offenses against police Carrying a weapon Unlawful Assembly Riot Affray Obstruction of forest operations Obstruction of road works Property Damage Local Laws Other possible offences Offences under Anti-terrorism laws

Common law defences

Police powers and your rights

Private security guards Protective Service Officers Police use of force International Police Code of Conduct If you are approached by police If you are arrested Release without charge Questioning Making a statement Fingerprinting Participation in an ID parade Photos Being held in the police station Being released Release on bail Keeping records of your arrest Body samples, DNA and forensic procedures Being charged

Complaints against the police

Who to complain to Freedom of information Federal Police If you have been injured Koorie community If you are in custody Australian Human Rights Register Complaints against security guards Frequently asked questions

Compensation for police misconduct

Legal threats to silence activists

Legal issues for activist groups

Function Control Money Charitable Status Income tax Deductable gift recipient status Goods & Services Tax Victorian regulations for fundraising activities Protection against civil liability Insurance for non-profit organisations Spokespeople: who takes the rap?

How will a criminal record affect me?

Approaching the court

Court terminology Facing the court Introduction to court structure Evidence Sentencing and appeals Activist strategies for court

Prisions and lock-ups

Terror Laws and their impacts

Proscribed Organisation

What to do if ASIO visit

Legal Context of Activism

Why an activists rights website?

What is Activist legal support?

What is an activist?

Activists are not criminals

What is lawful and unlawful?

Criminalising political dissent

Civil disobedience

The role of police in society

Police tactics at protests

Surveillance of activists

Private surveillance Political surveillance in Victoria - a recent history

DIY legal research

Activist Legal Support

Facing the police and legal system

Information, support and solidarity Class, race and gender Fear of the police Overcoming repression

Guides for organisers

Organising legal support Voluntary and empowered risk Organising support for arrestees Legal processes as campaign tools

Activist Guides

Activist Legal Rights: A short guide Facing the police Should I get arrested? Preparing for arrest Legal solidarity tactics Activist strategies for court Jail solidarity (PDF only) Organising in jail (PDF only) Coming out of jail stronger (PDF only)

Legal Support Team Resources

Setting up a Legal Support Team Legal Support Office Roles in a Legal Support Team Legal training for activists Legal support person info sheet Arrestee / injured instruction sheet (PDF) Arrest Watch report form (PDF) Arrestee tracking sheet (PDF) S11 Legal Support Team case study

Case Studies

Women for Peace: No weapons no war Women chained at the US consulate The Shrine action Area denial tactics at Kirribilli Reclaim the streets Pay the Rent Campaign to the High Court John Batmans statue tried for war crimes S11 Legal Support Team Pt\'chang Legal Observer Team Report 2001 No WTO Legal Observer Team Report 2002 (PDF)

Activist Legal Support Manual (PDF)