The over-representation of aboriginal people in the Australian justice system is a systemic problem, with its origins formed decades ago. However, it is vital that as we expand our knowledge on this over-representation, why it is present, and how it’s changed over time, that we understand it is not a fully accurate portrayal of crime rates within aboriginal communities. Using criminological theory, statistics, and government propositions, this essay will discuss the issue of the over-representation of Indigenous Australians in the justice system, the systemic societal bias that makes this occur, and will finish by evaluating how and why these factors cannot be taken solely as an indicator of a higher crime rate in the indigenous communities
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Generally we see this biased hyperfixation society has regarding indigenous crime rates leading to unfair societal standards for different communities, but as we’ve become aware of how deeply rooted these social stigmas regarding Indigenous Australians go, we learn that our justice system is no stranger to these behaviours. In 2004, 20.1% of indigenous offenders were sentenced to prison time, whereas only 6.5% of non-indigenous offenders were imprisoned (Snowball and Weatherburn 2006). This proves once again the systemic bias Australia has towards Indigenous people that has and continues to lead to over-representation within the justice system. The different forms of over-representation of this community vary - some more disadvantaged than others, from higher imprisonment rates for First Nations people as mentioned, to limited rehabilitation opportunities. Snowball and Weatherburn (2006) further expands on this by evaluating the issue of over-policing within Indigenous
Generally we see this biased hyperfixation society has regarding indigenous crime rates leading to unfair societal standards for different communities, but as we’ve become aware of how deeply rooted these social stigmas regarding Indigenous Australians go, we learn that our justice system is no stranger to these behaviours. In 2004, 20.1% of indigenous offenders were sentenced to prison time, whereas only 6.5% of non-indigenous offenders were imprisoned (Snowball and Weatherburn 2006). This proves once again the systemic bias Australia has towards Indigenous people that has and continues to lead to over-representation within the justice system. The different forms of over-representation of this community vary - some more disadvantaged than others, from higher imprisonment rates for First Nations people as mentioned, to limited rehabilitation opportunities. Snowball and Weatherburn (2006) further expands on this by evaluating the issue of over-policing within Indigenous