Stories that matter: Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's experiences of the criminal legal system

Two children looking out window
Abstract

The ‘Stories that Matter’ project aims to build a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of the criminal legal system, using yarning sessions with Indigenous people with lived experience and service providers working in this field, in Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. Our findings confirm the lasting impacts of colonisation and intergenerational trauma, which create the conditions that lead Indigenous people into engagement with the criminal legal system. Findings also demonstrate ongoing systemic bias and discrimination throughout the criminal legal system, undermining the trust of Indigenous people. The project delivers a strong and shared message that reform is only possible if it is led by, and undertaken in collaboration with, Indigenous people. Our research reinforces the need for government agencies and researchers to support and contribute to Indigenous self-determination.

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Contents

  • Acknowledgements
  • Acronyms and abbreviations
    • Terminology
  • Abstract
  • Executive summary
  • Introduction
  • Literature review
    • Social determinants of incarceration
    • Systemic bias
    • Conclusion
  • Research design and methodology
    • Research aims
    • The choice for qualitative research
    • The active involvement of Indigenous people with lived experience
    • Methodology
    • Western Australia
    • Australian Capital Territory
    • Victoria
    • Limitations
  • Findings
    • Interviews with WA Police—Aboriginal Affairs Division
    • Western Australia court observations
    • Interviews and yarning circles
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Appendix
    • Participant information form
    • Research questions
    • Participant demographics