Yr 12. Legal Studies: Crime – Discuss factors that affect sentencing – Victim Impact Statements

NSW Legal Studies syllabus HSC course

This learning activity is aligned to the syllabus ‘learn to‘ statement:

Discuss factors that affect sentencing decisions (Victim Impact Statement).

The aim for this learning activity is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the course content through reference to either contemporary case studies, media events or amendments to legislation.

Students will initially refer s26 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) to clearly understand who can make a Victim Impact Statement and also the role that it may play during the sentencing process.

Students will also review FOUR focus studies that examine the purpose of the Victim Impact Statement.

Focus study 1:

The execution murder of Michael McGurk in front of one of his own children

Focus study 2:

The random knife attack and murder of 24-year-old Michaela Dunn in her apartment

Focus study 3:

The murder Michelle Bright a 17-year-old girl in the country town of Gulgong.

Focus study 4:

The domestic violence attack and murder Sarah Bright, a mother of five children.

The activity requires students to read reference material and to complete a series of review based questions.

This learning activity is also cross reference with syllabus outcomes as well as aligned to the relevant theme and challenge component.

The activity is well suited as a minor research task.

The inclusion of contemporary media events and court cases is well suited to act as a supplement for student class notes.