The aim of this report was to consider the measures that should be adopted with regard to native inhabitants in ‘British settled’ countries, including Australia.

Select Committee, Report from the Select Committee on Aborigines (British Settlements) with the Minutes of Evidence, Appendix and Index (Report, 26 June 1837)

Following the arrival of the British in 1788, English criminal law was imposed across the colony, although it was initially unclear whether it applied to Aboriginal people. Over time, Aboriginal people were subject to English law overriding and not recognising long-standing Aboriginal legal systems.

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Select Committee, Report from the Select Committee on Aborigines (British Settlements) with the Minutes of Evidence, Appendix and Index (Report, 26 June 1837)

Application of criminal law to Aboriginal people