A former children's court magistrate accuses a state premier of capitulating to public pressure with unproven youth justice laws.

Children guilty of violent crimes could face life sentences for aggravated home invasion and carjackings in Victoria, as the state Labor government adopts a similar approach to Queensland's Liberal-National government.

Kids aged 14 and over charged with a raft of serious crimes would also no longer face a children's court and instead have their cases heard in the County Court.

Premier Jacinta Allan apologised to victims and admitted youth offenders were not facing enough consequences when announcing the legislation to be introduced to parliament before the end of 2025.

It was broadly slammed by human rights groups, lawyers and Aboriginal advocates.

Former N

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