Murder

How murder works in practice.

Murder is the most serious offence in Victorian criminal law. It is an unlawful killing committed with murderous intent: an intention to kill, or an intention to cause really serious injury, and in some circumstances knowledge that death or really serious injury was a probable consequence of the act. Murder is tried in the Supreme Court of Victoria before a jury and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Whether a killing amounts to murder rather than manslaughter, and whether a defence such as self-defence is available, depends closely on the facts and the available evidence. These matters are prepared with great care and, in higher-court trials, with experienced Counsel.