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Articles on Indigenous customary law

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The Customary Senate, Nouméa, New Caledonia. Eddie Wadrawane

New Caledonia has had an indigenous body advise government since 1999. What can Australia learn?

It’s important to understand that a First Nations consultative body such as the Customary Senate doesn’t pose a ‘threat’ to democracy or the rule of law.
Most people against recognising Aboriginal customary law think there’s only one law in Australia. AAP/Joe Castro

Why Australia won’t recognise Indigenous customary law

Few in Australia understand the context and true meaning of customary law. Denials of its validity are often based on ignorance or on specific examples devoid of context.
Has anything changed in the 30 years since the ALRC’s Recognition of Aboriginal Customary Laws report? Mick Tsikas/AAP

From little things: the role of the Aboriginal customary law report in Mabo

The Recognition of Aboriginal Customary Laws examined the interaction between two legal systems – one based in British law and the other in the customary laws of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
Country provides a site where Aboriginal and mainstream forms of law can come together and have dialogue – an outcome made possible by Eddie Mabo (L). AAP/NAA

Law reports push piecemeal changes to native title, but still fall short

The ALRC report made some useful recommendations about how settler law could deal more fairly with Aboriginal people by taking their traditions and customs into account.

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