The Wire

The unique Aboriginal court system in New South Wales, called circle sentencing is expanding after incredible success. The court’s success is not just about combating crime – it’s about ensuring Aboriginal offenders take responsibility for their actions and communities better understand their troubles. Indigenous courts operate in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, but it’s the success of New South Wales that has forced the community and government to join forces in sentencing, in a method that has proved its worth. The makeshift courts, held in community halls or other designated areas bring the legal system of Western culture together with traditional disciplinary decisions to a variety of cases from property offences to assault. Offenders know before they step into these courts that they will be listened to and punished appropriately, but the difference is whom they face. Rather than just a magistrate, respected elders help chair the court, which listen to court proceedings in a more informal setting before coming to an agreed sentence.