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 committed crimes. These courts involve Indigenous Elders and community members. The goal is to make the justice system fairer and help people avoid reoffending.
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How Murri Courts Started
Murri Courts began because people wanted to find better ways to help Indigenous Australians in the justice system. The former Chief Magistrate of Queensland, Di Fingleton, learned about the Nunga Court in South Australia. That court aimed to reduce the number of Indigenous people in prison. It did this by involving the Indigenous community in the sentencing process.
Chief Magistrate Fingleton asked Brian Hine to visit the Nunga Court. He reported back on how it worked. After that, he met with local Indigenous community members. They discussed creating a similar court in Brisbane. The GUMURRII Centre at Griffith University was very important in setting up these courts.
The first Murri Court opened in Brisbane in August 2002. More courts soon followed in places like Rockhampton, Mount Isa, and Townsville. Many of these courts also helped young people. The courts in North Queensland also helped Pacific Islander offenders.
These special courts were inspired by the Nunga Court and the Koori Court in Victoria. They included Aboriginal customs and culture. Elders were part of the sentencing process. They offered support and helped Indigenous offenders get back on track.
By 2006, Indigenous communities also advised the Children's or Magistrates Courts in many other towns. These included Toowoomba, Mackay, and communities in Cape York Peninsula.
Why Murri Courts Were Closed and Reopened
By September 2012, there were 14 Murri Courts. However, the Queensland Government decided to close them in December 2012. They also closed other special courts. The government felt these courts were not effective enough for their cost. The decision was criticized by the Queensland Law Society.
But the courts were brought back! The new Palaszczuk government reopened them in April 2016.
How Murri Courts Work
Murri Courts are for people who plead guilty to certain crimes. These crimes must be handled by the Magistrates Court of Queensland. In these courts, everyone sits at the same level. This includes the magistrate, the offender, and others present.
An Elder sits next to the offender. The Elder advises the magistrate throughout the process. They give advice on sentencing that respects Indigenous culture. Police prosecutors do not wear uniforms in these courts. This process often helps offenders reconnect with their culture and communities.
The Elder also talks directly to the offender. They discuss the crime and how it affects the community. However, the magistrate makes the final decision on the sentence. This prevents any family or cultural pressure on the Elder.
Where Are Murri Courts Located?
As of July 2022, Murri Courts operate in the Magistrates and Children's Courts in 15 locations. These locations include:
Do Murri Courts Make a Difference?
Reviews in 2006 found that Murri Courts were good at involving the Indigenous community in the legal process. A 2005 report also found that fewer offenders committed crimes again after being sentenced in a Murri Court. By 2010, there were 17 Murri Courts. This was the highest number in any Australian state.
A 2019 review showed that Indigenous communities widely respected the Murri Court system. In May 2022, a new office was announced: the Office of the Chief First Nations Justice Officer. This office, along with a new government plan, focuses on reducing the number of First Nations people in Queensland's justice system.
As of May 2022, Murri Courts were operating in 15 locations again. The Queensland Government continues to work towards reconciliation and better justice for Aboriginal peoples.
