Crime Analysis: Port Arthur Massacre

Introduction
Crime is an act or omission that harms individuals and ultimately society as a whole; for which punishments are determined by the law, and is enforced by the state. The objective of criminal law is to prevent certain behaviour that society feels is harmful, potentially harmful, unacceptable or undesirable. In relation to Port Arthur, this shocking and disgraceful conduct has been regarded as the worst ever crime committed on Australian territory. The sole perpetrator, Martin Bryant aged 29, established a murderous plan through contemplation and active preparation; deliberately killed two people against whom he had a personal conflict, then embarked on a trail of devastation which claimed the lives of a further 33 other human beings who were total strangers to him, simultaneously causing serious injury, distress and grief to literally thousands more. The repercussions of these crimes have been worldwide; followed by the effect on the extended community: the shock and disb...