Description

This is the second edition of a benchbook designed to alert the Western Australian judiciary to cross cultural issues which may arise in the course of the conduct of trials involving Aboriginal people and, in particular, criminal trials involving Aboriginal accused persons and Aboriginal witnesses. This edition updates the orginal 2002 benchbook regarding cultural aspects of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal Australia, the present situation of Aboriginal people in Western Australia, and Aboriginal languages and communication styles, including strategies for effective communication in Aboriginal English. Focusing on the criminal jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the District Court of Western Australia, the book discusses matters relating to pre trial procedures, criminal proceedings and sentencing as they affect Aboriginal persons.