Research Assignment

On 18 Ocbtober 2016, the Crimes Amendment (Carjacking and Home Invasion) Act 2016 (Vic) came into effect. The Act amended the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) by adding four new stand-alone offences to the Act; namely Home Invasion, Aggrevated Home Invasion, Carjacking, and Aggrevated Carjacking. The Crimes Amendment (Carjacking and Home Invasion) Act 2016 (Vic) was the legislative response to public concerns about crimes committed by the so-called “APEX Gang”, particulary in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The development and passing of this legislation generated widespread discussion and public debate. Your task is to critically evaluate the Crimes Amendment (Carjacking and Home Invasion) Act 2016 (Vic). Was the creation of the four new criminal offences necessary? Is the legislation desirable, effective, too far reaching?

This is a research assignment. You are required to undertake your own research in respect of the relevant Victorian legislation. You need to find appropriate sources that support your discussion of the posed question and reference them adequately. Solely relying on newspaper articles is not sufficient.

Breakdown of possible marks:

1. Introduction

2. Main discussion

3. Conclusion

4. Individual research including appropriate referencing