Russell Marks’ Black Lives, White Law is not about solutions; it’s about identifying the problems with Australia’s criminal legal system, and the injustice it does to First Nations people.
The High Court has thwarted a potential defence for the NT constable accused of shooting and killing Kumunjayi Walker in 2019 – that he was acting in ‘good faith’ as an officer at the time.
Governments seem deeply committed to body-worn cameras for police, and there is a strong argument for them in providing evidence. But there needs to be more effective regulation of their use.
Australia has a mandatory legal review of every death in custody. But the system itself often prevents families from speaking out – a significant barrier to getting justice.