Just deserts in a post-colonial society : problems in the punishment of indigenous offenders
conference contribution
posted on 2003-01-01, 00:00authored byR Edney
An enduring aspect of the operation of the criminal justice system in Australia has been the disproportionate representation of indigenous persons. Under current sentencing principles, aboriginality can be taken into account as a factor in mitigation because of the nature of social and economic disadvantage suffered by indigenous communities. It is contended that such an approach is inadequate as it fails to comprehend the reasons for that disadvantage. In short, the effects of colonialism and dispossession. An account of punishment will be developed that colonialism and dispossession cannot be omitted from any satisfactory account of the theory and history of punishment of indigenous persons. By relying on the notion of ‘just deserts’ an account of punishment will be proposed that extends the categories currently put forward to justify punishing indigenous persons. Traditional, philosophical accounts of punishment and insights from critical race theory will both be used in an attempt to articulate what ‘just deserts’ means in the context of a post-colonial society.
History
Event
Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology. Conference (17th : 2003 : Sydney, N.S.W.)
Pagination
1 - 8
Publisher
Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology
Location
Sydney, N.S.W.
Place of publication
Sydney, N.S.W.
Start date
2003-10-01
End date
2003-10-03
Indigenous content
This research output may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur.
Language
eng
Publication classification
L3 Extract of paper (minor conferences)
Editor/Contributor(s)
Weatherburn
Title of proceedings
ANZSOC 2003 : controlling crime : risks and responsibilities : Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology 17th Annual Conference