Free Legal Studies practice paper

Award up to 6 marks: 1 mark for defining fairness (all people can participate in and understand the justice system; processes are open and impartial) and 1 mark for linking it to the criminal system (e.g. an impartial judge and jury, the accused's right to a fair hearing). 1 mark for defining equality (all people are treated equally before the law) and 1 mark for a criminal-system link (e.g. the law applies the same regardless of background, with adjustments where formal equality would cause disadvantage). 1 mark for defining access (all people can engage with the justice system and use its institutions and processes on an informed basis) and 1 mark for a criminal-system link (e.g. legal aid, committal proceedings, and information about rights). Marks total 6.

Award up to 4 marks. 1 mark for identifying that VLA provides free legal information, advice and education to the general community, supporting access. 1 mark for explaining that VLA provides duty lawyer services and grants of legal assistance to eligible accused who cannot afford a lawyer, supporting access and fairness. 1 mark for linking VLA's targeting of limited resources (income tests, the type of matter) to equality, so that those most in need are assisted. 1 mark for a developed point on how this promotes a fair hearing (an unrepresented accused may not understand procedure, so representation helps equal participation). Total 4 marks.