The Victorian government has been ordered to hand over documents relating to the daily activities of teenagers being held in an adult prison before a trial that will test the legality of their transfer.
Some 15 young offenders remain in Barwon Prison after they trashed two youth detention facilities during recent riots.
Victorian Supreme Court Justice Gregory Garde on Tuesday set down five days for the trial scheduled to begin on Monday.
He ordered the government to produce details of the detainees' activities and any behaviour management plans in place.
The Human Rights Law Centre launched the legal action after successfully backing a bid by the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service which saw indigenous teens transferred out of Barwon last week.
The centre, along with the Fitzroy Legal Service, argues most of the 15 non-indigenous youths still in Barwon are yet to face trial and are "locked in small cells for more than 20 hours per day with no access to proper education or treatment programs".
Lawyers contend the government has failed to act in the best interests of the teenagers and has breached Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
But Premier Daniel Andrews insists the government has acted lawfully.
"I make absolutely no apology for the fact those inmates are at Barwon Prison," the Labor leader told reporters on Tuesday.
"Rest assured the government will defend any action brought against it.
"We're very confident of the actions we've taken."
