Crime, Aboriginality and the decolonisation of justice / Harry Blagg

This book explores contemporary strategies which might diminish the extraordinary levels of imprisonment and victimisation suffered by Aboriginal people in Australia. It argues that enhancing Aboriginal ownership and control over justice and justice-related processes is a key factor and focuses on ways this can be achieved. It explores the potential for 'hybrid' initiatives in the complex 'liminal' space between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal domains, for example Aboriginal community/night patrols, community justice groups, healing centres and Aboriginal courts. The author disputes the relevance of the western, urban, criminological paradigm to the Aboriginal domain, and questions the application of both contemporary innovations such as restorative justice and mainstream models of policing. He also refutes allegations that Aboriginal customary laws condone violence against women and children, pointing to the wealth of research to the contrary, and suggests these laws contain considerable potential for renewal and healing. (Back cover, edited.)