The term 'firearm offence' captures a broad spectrum of offending behaviour, from insecure storage of firearms to use in the commission of a violent crime, and hence a similarly broad spectrum of criminal conduct. The primary legislative framework for sentencing of firearm offences is based on enacted legislation in each jurisdiction that defines specific firearm-related...

The use of fire in homicide is a particularly heinous crime, involving burning of the victim before or after death. It is thought to be a relatively rare phenomenon and, as such, little is known about its nature and extent in Australia. Over a 16-year period there have been 4,943 homicide incidents in Australia; of...

During 2005-06, there were 283 incidents of homicide, resulting in 301 victims, committed by 336 offenders. This is 34 more incidents than in 2004-05, an increase of 14 percent. There has been an increase in homicides committed by young males, but yearly fluctuations in homicide patterns are quite common, and the increase in the number...