AOS2 - Statistics and Impacts of Murder

Question 1

Number of offenders sentenced for murder

Answer 1

• 2017-18 = 27
• 2018-19 = 25
• 2019-20 = 24
• 202-21 = 9
• 2021-22 = 12

Question 2

Number of recorded murder offences (Vic)

Answer 2

• 2018 = 53 (0.8 per 100K)
• 2019 = 59 (0.9 per 100K)
• 2020 = 62 (0.9 per 100K)
• 2021 = 52 (0.8 per 100K)
• 2022 = 51 (0.8 per 100K)

Question 3

Number of recorded murder offences (NT)

Answer 3

• 2019 = 4 (1.6 per 100K)
• 2020 = 4 (1.6 per 100K)
• 2021 = 5 (2.0 per 100K)
• 2022 = 5 (2.0 per 100K)
• 2023 = 6 (2.4 per 100K)

Question 4

The difference between ‘the number of offenders sentenced for murder’ and ‘the number of recorded murder offences’

Answer 4

• the number of recorded murder offences is higher because the accused can plead guilty to a lesser offence

Question 5

Sanctions for murder

Answer 5

• section 3 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) outlines the maximum penalty of life in prison
• the court usually sets a non-parole period (the minimum time an offender can be held in prison)
• victorian parliament has set a standard sentence of 26 years, or 30 if the offender was an emergency worker/custodial officer
• judge must consider the standard sentence before considering mitigating or aggravating factors

Question 6

Impacts of murder on victim, family and friends

Answer 6

• loss of life for the victim
• long-term psychological harm (shock, grief, fear, anger, stress, trauma)
• potential for the victim to have been the main breadwinner
• media scrutiny compounds negative feelings
• rights under the Victim’s Charter Act 2006 (Vic)
  
  • treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity
  • informed of investigation, prosecution, trial, and sentencing
  • opportunity to provide a victim impact statement during sentencing
  • opportunity to seek financial compensation

Question 7

Impacts of murder on society

Answer 7

• erodes public confidence in systems (police, justice system, government) in terms of protection
• the public feels vulnerable and cautious about where they go and whom they interact with
• can spur the community into activism
• strain on police, emergency services, and courts and therefore taxpayer dollars
• rising crime rates compels governments to pass harsher laws to try and reduce crime

Question 8

Impacts of murder on the accused/offender

Answer 8

• term of imprisonment (life?)
• legal costs for defence along with loss of income due to imprisonment (can cause problems if they were the main breadwinner)
• shame, guilt, regret, and remorse
• lengthy court processes (extended period of limbo)
• during imprisonment, rehab may be troublesome due to association with other prisoners
• upon release, the offender will struggle to re-enter society due to pre-made perceptions