A study into best practice in community legal information

This Australian report based on the author’s visits with a number of international PLEI providers emphasizes the importance of targeting audiences and the use of plain language. Hard copy materials are said to be preferred by the public and is a mode of PLEI delivery that allows for community outreach in ways that Internet materials preclude. Mere translation of existing English language materials is inadequate because the prior knowledge of legal issues that can perhaps be assumed amongst English users is unlikely to be found amongst recently arrived immigrants. Distribution of PLEI materials through legal channels and venues alone is unlikely to reach enough users and must extend to non-legal community centres. Several case studies are referenced that serve as the backbone of the author’s recommendations.