NCJ Number
132457
Date Published
1991
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Because there is a law and order crisis in aboriginal communities in Queensland, Australia, the government should review the entire criminal justice system relating to Aborigines and Islanders by setting up an interdepartmental committee and inviting representatives from aboriginal community groups.
Abstract
Statistics indicate that Aborigines are 7 times more likely to appear on homicide charges than the rest of the Queensland population, 50 times more likely to appear on major assault charges, 37 times more likely to be charged with rape, 38 times more likely to be charged with burglary, and 22 times more likely to appear on alcohol offenses. Both major and minor assaults are seven times more likely to be committed by children from aboriginal communities than from Queensland as a whole. The level of violence and death in aboriginal communities contributes to a high rate of imprisonment. These communities also have high rates of family violence, self-mutilation, and suicide. Alcohol is frequently used by Aborigines to cope with the stresses associated with colonization and racism. In devising solutions to the problems of Aborigines, the Queensland government should consider aboriginal land rights and self-determination, legal reform, mediation or dispute resolution training, the elimination of racist police officers, the use of community or aboriginal police, and improvements to the community court system. Additional recommendations focus on domestic violence, alcohol, child abuse and neglect, juvenile offenders, conditions in police watchhouses, and noncustodial corrections. 18 references and 2 tables