Vic introduces 'coward punch' laws

So-called coward punch laws have been introduced in Victoria, mandating 10 years' jail for an unexpected punch that takes a life.

The legislation was passed by the Victorian Parliament on Thursday.

"Claiming ignorance of the consequences of a single blow to the head will no longer be an excuse," Attorney-General Robert Clark said in a statement.

"The new law will drive home to would-be offenders that they will spend a long time in jail if they resort to such violence."

A person found guilty of a fatal one-punch attack must be jailed and cannot be released on parole for ten years.

The legislation also introduced a 10-year minimum term for fatally kicking, punching or stabbing a person as part of a gang attack.

In January, the NSW government passed an eight-year minimum term for fatal one-punch assaults where alcohol or drugs are involved.