Such courts exist at several locations throughout the state, as a sentencing option for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders who plead guilty of an offence.
He was a member of the judicial Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Program, and regional manager of the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court and associated circuit courts, including those operating in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands).
Relationships may be built between the court and Aboriginal communities, which helps to reduce offending, and provide better outcomes for the defendants, by referring them to suitable medical, mental health and other rehabilitation services.
In Section 22, the Act outlines the provisions:[7]Before sentencing an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander defendant, the court may, with the defendant's consent, and with the assistance of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Officer— (a) convene a sentencing conference; and
The elders have no authority delegated by the court but may advise on sentencing options, to ensure they are culturally appropriate.
[6] In a sentencing conference, all participants, who may include family and community members as well as victims, sit on the same level.
Elders, Respected Persons, and AJOs provide the magistrate with relevant advice regarding cultural or community issues.