Victorian Parliament Passes Controversial Bill: Children as Young as Fourteen Could Face Life Imprisonment for Violent CrimesThe Victorian parliament has passed a new bill, the Justice Legislation Amendment, which could see children as young as fourteen face life imprisonment for certain violent crimes. The bill, focused on community safety, aims to impose harsher sentences in higher courts for young and violent offenders. The bill passed with thirty votes in favor and eight against, following a lengthy debate. The new laws allow for children aged fourteen and older to be sentenced as adults in adult courts for serious offenses like aggravated home invasion, carjacking, and intentionally causing grievous bodily harm. The government defends these changes by citing rising crime rates and the need to prioritize the impact violent crime has on victims. However, many members of parliament and legal groups voiced strong opposition, concerned that the new laws could further harm at-risk youth and reduce their chances of rehabilitation. The bill is scheduled to be fully implemented by the end of February.

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