This despatch encloses a report by Captain Grey on the 'best means of promoting the civilization of the Aboriginal Inhabitants of Australia'.

Despatch No.161 from Lord John Russell to Sir George Gipps dated 8 October 1840, in Historical Records of Australia Series 1, vol. 21 (October 1840 - March 1842), 33-40

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.

Document

Despatch No.161 from Lord John Russell to Sir George Gipps dated 8 October 1840, in Historical Records of Australia Series 1, vol. 21 (October 1840 - March 1842), 33-40

Application of criminal law to Aboriginal people