The word Koori refers to Aboriginal Australians from south-east Australia, in the regions now encompassing the State of Victoria as well as southern New South Wales.
[2] The VAJA was established by the Victorian Government based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991.
The laws administered are exactly the same as in any Australian courthouse, but the Koori Courts cannot deal with family violence or sexual offences, and the format of the hearings are different.
[11] In Koori Court, the magistrate or judge sits at a table, called the bar table, with the offender, solicitors, community Elders,[12][3] a Koori Court officer, the prosecutor, community correction officer, and family members of the offender.
The Elder or other respected members of the community may advise the magistrate on a culturally appropriate sentence, and/or one which is likely to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.