National Bench Book on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Legal System

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this Bench Book may contain names, words and stories of deceased persons.

Readers should also be aware that this Bench Book includes content that may be confronting and/or may cause distress. Further, where it is relevant for the purpose of historical and/or legal accuracy, this Bench Book includes language or words that are offensive and inappropriate. Please take care when reading.

The Jumbunna Research Team, the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Limited and all contributors to this Bench Book wish to acknowledge and pay deep respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia, the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We acknowledge the ongoing connections that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to land, sky, waters and community and recognise that their sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay our deep respects to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people who may use this Bench Book.