The Judicial College of Victoria has updated its Victorian Sentencing Manual with two new and important chapters on Firearms offences and Terrorism offences.
The Firearms chapter offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the intricate provisions and applicable considerations within the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic). It focuses on three types of firearm offences that have become more prevalent in recent years: prohibited person possess, use, or carry firearms offences, discharge firearm offences, and contravening firearm prohibition order offences. Additionally, this chapter provides valuable insights and guidance on sentencing for firearm offences in other legislation, including the Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic) and the Customs Act 1901 (Cth). Its clarity and practicality make it an invaluable resource, especially for judicial officers dealing with summary jurisdiction applications involving firearms offences.
The Terrorism chapter delves into terrorism offences and explores the related post-sentence orders regime. As the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) has become the primary governing legislation for terrorism offences in Australia, this chapter primarily focuses on Part 5.3 and Part 5.5 of the Criminal Code, providing a thorough review of the various terrorism offences, including terrorist acts, preparatory acts, offences related to terrorist organisations, financing terrorism, and offences concerning foreign incursion and recruitment. This comprehensive coverage ensures that judicial officers gain valuable insights into the relevant sentencing challenges and knowledge of the post-sentence orders regime applicable in terrorism cases.
The new chapters are a valuable resource for judicial officers, practitioners, and others involved in the sentencing process. They provide comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on the law and practice of sentencing for terrorism offences in Victoria and nationally, and for firearms offences in Victoria.