Papua New Guinea's former Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet says victims of the police shootings in Port Moresby last week can seek redress in the judicial system.
Dozens of people were hospitalised after police opened fire on students at the University of PNG's Waigani campus when they tried to march to parliament.
The government and police have announced inquiries into factors leading up to the unrest.
Sir Arnold said he had no confidence that the inquiries will hold anyone to account.
But he explained those who were shot at or assaulted could make a court application.
"Seek to enforce their constitutional right that they can contend has been violated: the freedom of expression, the freedom to assemble, the freedom to express dissent, and then the right of protection of the law, having been shot at whilst totally unarmed; all of those numerous provisions, in my opinion, have been violated," he said
According to Sir Arnold, the national court avenue is accessible for ordinary citizens.
"That enables ordinary citizens to go to the court, ask for this form, fill it in. It is as simple as possible so that ordinary citizens do not have to worry about engaging expensive lawyers, and that will immediately commen a judicial inquiry."