PLEA
The PLEA Project delivers legal education in prisons, youth justice centres and the community to assist Victorians in contact with the justice system to proactively handle their legal cases.
Our aim is to provide knowledge and skills needed to gain control in an environment where many may feel powerless.
We recognise the structural, psychological and cultural barriers that can prevent access to and participation in the justice system. We seek to overcome these barriers by empowerment through practical legal education.
The Program is currently run by ex-PLEA presenters Sam Whitney, Ella Hockley, Zac Scherger & Matilda Jones. You can contact us via email at admin@pleaproject.org.au or MRC@pleaproject.org.au.
Organisation
The PLEA Project is entirely volunteer run.
Our volunteers are primarily law students, with a strong understanding of legal processes, excellent communication skills and a commitment to improving access to justice.
The PLEA Project currently operates in the Metropolitan Remand Centre.
We have previously delivered programs in Barwon Prison, Marngoneet Correctional Centre, Melbourne Assessment Prison, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Port Phillip Prison, and the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct.
These programs were suspended during COVID and PLEA will seek to re-establish their delivery across 2024.
Our legal workshops cover topics including:
- General court readiness;
- Victoria’s criminal justice system and court hierarchy;
- Dealing with police and being remanded;
- Bail applications and Parole readiness;
- Family law concepts including Intervention Orders;
- Sentencing factors, Appeals; and
- Working with your lawyer.