Indigenous incarceration: the violence of colonial law and justice

Abstract

[Extract] This chapter explores the issue of violence in relation to Indigenous people. The over-representation of Indigenous people in criminal justice systems is an international phenomenon. The social, economic, health and educational status of Indigenous peoples are indicative of the most marginalised groups globally. There is also a particular resonance between the experience of Indigenous people in Australia with those in other 'settler' countries of Canada, New Zealand and the United States. This chapter is specifically focused on the violence of incarceration for Indigenous people in Australia.