By Hannah Hall, Law Graduate

Villan v State of Victoria [2021] VSC 354 is a recent Supreme Court of Victoria decision, which considers the common law privilege against self-incrimination and whether the interests of justice require witnesses to give evidence. Ultimately, Justice Keogh found that, balancing all relevant considerations, it was not in the interests of justice to require the alleged perpetrator of the abuse give evidence at trial, when it is likely that the allegations against him by the plaintiff would be the subject of a criminal investigation.

We have prepared a brief Case Note which outlines:

• The background of the matter;
• The findings of the Court; and
• Decision rationale.

We would be pleased to discuss any questions you may have.