NCJ Number
83044
Journal
Australia and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1982) Pages: 47-55
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Data are presented on Aborigines offenders, their offenses, and dispositions in European courts in the North-West Aboriginal Reserve of South Australia.
Abstract
In 1979, a special data collection was begun for all cases in the reserve area involving tribal Aboriginal people. Information is provided on sentencing, dates of significant events in the court process, and dates of offense, complaint, first appearance in court, and disposition of the case. Data are also provided on the victim and social factors directly related to the offense, such as group involvement, alcohol use, and petrol sniffing. Fifty offenders were involved in the cases examined for this study, with all being males and 20 juveniles. Juveniles were charged with 52 percent of the total 121 offenses. When compared with previous similar studies, the number of charges against juveniles remains constant, but there is a marked decrease in break and enter charges and an increase in the charge of wilful damage (vandalism). The same pattern is observed for adults, except that in 1979-80, there were fewer adult defendants and less overall charges for adults. The major problems apparent among Aboriginal people are apparently petrol sniffing and related offenses by juveniles and alcohol abuse for adults. The increased incidence of wilful damage of property appears related to these two practices. The decrease in break and enter offenses may be due to steps taken by communities to discourage white Australians from having alcohol in their houses. The European law predominantly protects property. Few offenses against persons are prosecuted in the European courts. This is likely due to the Aboriginal people dealing with interpersonal conflicts through informal community intervention. Tabular data and 27 notes are provided.