Civil law
Civil law is different to criminal law
While criminal law deals with alleged crimes and offences, such as murder, stealing, drug offences, assault and domestic violence and driving offences, civil law is about disputes between people or organisations. People who ‘lose’ a civil case are not punished like in a criminal case, but they may have to pay compensation or follow other court orders to fix the problem they caused. Sometimes the losing side will have to pay the legal costs for the other party.
Matters that NAAJA’s civil lawyers can assist with:
- complaints about government services and departments (such as police or prison officers)
- compensation claims against police and other government departments (for negligence, false imprisonment, assault)
- forfeiture of seizure of property
- child protection matters, including a duty service at the Children’s Court
- statutory compensation (motor vehicle accident compensation or victims of crime compensation)
- consumer matters (credit, debt, and motor vehicle sales and repairs)
- healthcare complaints
- discrimination and human rights
- coronial inquests
- employment disputes
- housing and tenancy—repairs, terminations, debts, priority housing applications, and appeals at the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal
- Centrelink and income management, including appealing debts
- decisions about living arrangements (marriage-like relationships or care of children)
- family tax benefit issues
NAAJA holds civil advice clinics in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs and our solicitors travel regularly to remote communities to provide advice. Check our News section for upcoming clinics.
Child protection
Coronial inquests
NAAJA plays an active role in coronial inquests in the Northern Territory that impact Aboriginal people.
Coronial inquests are an integral part of the justice system and investigate unexpected or suspected deaths, and often make recommendations to ensure that no further deaths occur.
The coroner decides whether to hold a public inquest into a death. After an inquest, the coroner publishes their findings, which sets out their decisions and any recommendations.
With demand for services increasing, NAAJA launched a standalone coronial inquest practice in 2024. We provide advice and representation to families navigating this process while addressing the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, such as ongoing deaths in care and custody.