As of January 2026, the Prison Law Handbook is now accessible from within prison via the Offender Services Network (OSN).
At Fitzroy Legal Service, we believe everyone should have access to timely legal information that affects their lives.
For people in custody, this access can be limited.
Many processes are complex, and structured prison routines can make it difficult for individuals to fully understand their rights, obligations, and available pathways.
By providing access to reliable, easy-to-understand legal information with clear steps to follow supports and correct use of processes and systems, people will be able to make requests, lodge complaints, and seek help more effectively.
Recognising this, we developed the Prison Law Handbook – a comprehensive, user-informed, accessible online resource for people in prison, their families, and professionals who work with them.
The Handbook addresses a significant legal information need by providing accurate information on the rights of people in prison and humane prison conditions.
The Prison Law Handbook brings together key information about common prison-related issues, including:
- Prison rights and responsibilities
- Complaint processes
- Access to healthcare
- Communication with family and the community
- Classification, separation, and segregation
- Emergency Management Days (EMDs)
- Cultural rights
- Leave from prison and interstate transfers
- Parole
- Rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody
What distinguishes the Handbook is that it has been written for people in custody, not for lawyers. The content is presented in plain, accessible language and includes practical examples, tips, and step-by-step guidance to help users understand and apply the information in real situations.
After years of work, the Prison Law Handbook was released in November 2025. In the months following the launch, FLS staff have been visiting a number of prisons to speak to people in custody about the Handbook and gather feedback to keep the conversation going with folks on the inside.
Being available on the OSN means many people incarcerated across Victoria will now have access to legal information regarding their rights in prison, and can access the tools needed to advocate for themselves throughout their time incarcerated.
But the work is far from done. We are continuing to explore ways to improve accessibility and expand the breadth of topics available, to make sure the Prison Law Handbook continues to be a valuable resource for incarcerated people, their families, and service providers.
Thank you to the Victoria Law Foundation and the Department of Justice and Community Safety for supporting the Prison Law Handbook.
The Prison Law Handbook is available online at prisonlawhandbook.fls.org.au.
