Lawyers for Forests believes that peaceful protest is a legitimate form of civil expression and a valuable part of democracy. Peaceful non-violent protests have for many years been a vehicle for the expression of community concern about the unnecessary and unlawful destruction of native forests and have significantly raised the profile of the issue in the media.

Unfortunately, however, over recent years there have been a number of confrontations between conservationists and loggers, and growing concern over the way such confrontations are handled by the police. We believe that protesters can reduce the likelihood of such confrontations by being properly prepared and properly advised before, during and after taking part in a protest.
 
Lawyers for Forests can help achieve this by:

• providing information to conservationists on their rights and responsibilities when taking part in a protest; and
• organising free legal advice and representation where needed after the event.

Lawyers for Forests believes that by providing these services it can assist in the creation of a better informed, more peaceful, and ultimately more effective culture of public protest.

If you are a lawyer and you would like to assist us with this work, please contact us.

Links to articles, information materials and submissions:

LFF arranged legal representation for Environment East Gippsland Inc to save Brown Mountain in East Gippsland.  Go to Environment East Gippsland's website to read about the case by clicking here.  Listen to an early interview by Vanessa Bleyer of the solicitors that LFF referred EEG to months before the case commences by clicking here.

Vanessa Bleyer's article published in the Young Lawyer's Journal, June 2005, New Forests Legislation

Learn what offences a person can be charged with if involved in direct action in State forest, February 2005, and download the relevant Acts: Conservation Forests & Land Act 1987, Forests Act 1958, Land Act 1958, Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004, Safety on Public Land Act 2004.

Vanessa Bleyer's article published in the Alternative law Journal, April 2004 Defending Victoria's Forests - Taking it to the Courts 2003 

The Writ and Statement of Claim: Gunns & Ors v Marr & Ors, Supreme Court Proceeding No 9575 of 2004

The Writ and Statement of Claim, Version 3: Gunns & Ors v Marr & Ors, Supreme Court Proceeding No 9575 of 2004, Verion 3

EDO’s information on “Your Rights When Arrested”.

Useful information in relation to police powers is available at the Victoria Legal Aid website.

Know who your Local Legal Co-ordinator is.

LFF's submissions on the Peaceful Assemblies Bill