Murri Court facts for kids

Murri Courts are special courts in Queensland, Australia. They are designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have broken the law. These courts involve community Elders and focus on helping people get back on track. The first Murri Court opened in Brisbane in August 2002. More courts were then set up across Queensland for both adults and young people. They were closed in 2012 but reopened in April 2016. As of July 2022, there are Murri Courts in 15 places across Queensland.

How Murri Courts Started

Murri Courts were created after a judge named Di Fingleton learned about the Nunga Court in South Australia. The Nunga Court started in 1999. Its goal was to help more Indigenous people stay out of prison. It did this by involving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in court decisions.

Di Fingleton asked another judge, Brian Hine, to visit the Nunga Court. He reported back on how it worked. Then, he met with local Indigenous community members. They also met with groups that could help set up a similar court in Brisbane. The GUMURRII Centre at Griffith University played a big part in starting Murri Courts.

The very first Murri Court opened in Brisbane in August 2002. More courts soon followed in places like Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Caboolture, and Townsville. Many of these courts also helped children and young people. Murri Courts in north Queensland also helped Pacific Islander people.

These special courts were like the Nunga Court in South Australia. They were also similar to the Koori Court in Victoria. They used Aboriginal customs and culture. Elders were part of the court process. They offered support and helped people get their lives back on track.

By 2006, Indigenous communities also advised courts in many other towns. These included Toowoomba, Woorabinda, and Mackay.

Changes Over Time

By September 2012, there were 14 Murri Courts. However, the Queensland Government decided to close them. The Attorney-General at the time, Jarrod Bleijie, said they were too expensive. This decision was criticized by legal groups.

But the courts were brought back! The new Palaszczuk government reopened them in April 2016.

How Murri Courts Work Today

Murri Courts are for people who admit they are guilty of a crime. These crimes must be handled by the Magistrates Court of Queensland. In a Murri Court, everyone sits at the same level. This includes the judge, the person who broke the law, and others present.

An Elder sits next to the person in court. The Elder gives advice to the judge. This advice helps make sure the decision fits with Indigenous culture. Police officers who work in these courts do not wear their uniforms.

This process often helps people connect with their culture and community. The Elder also talks directly to the person about their actions. They explain how these actions affect the community. However, the judge always makes the final decision about what happens. This prevents any family or cultural pressure on the Elder.

As of 2013, Murri Courts don't have their own special law. But a general law, the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld), helps guide how they work. It also allows Indigenous community members to take part.

In October 2020, the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council made a video. It explained how Murri Courts work and who can use them. The Brisbane Community Justice Group helps people in the Murri Court. They support both victims and those who have broken the law. They encourage people to use the Murri Court. They also connect them with other groups that help Indigenous people.

As of July 2022, Murri Courts are in the following places:

What People Think of Murri Courts

Reviews in 2006 found that Murri Courts were good at involving Indigenous communities. A report in 2005 showed that fewer people committed crimes again after being in a Murri Court. By 2010, Queensland had 17 Murri Courts. This was the most in any part of Australia.

A 2019 review showed that Indigenous communities really respected the Murri Court system. In May 2022, a new office was announced. It's called the Office of the Chief First Nations Justice Officer. The government also started a new plan to help with reconciliation. This plan focuses on helping more First Nations people stay out of the justice system.

As of May 2022, Murri Courts were running in 15 locations again. The Queensland Government continues to work towards reconciliation. They also want to improve justice for Aboriginal peoples.