Cannon, Andrew. 2007. South Australia: Nunga Court II – Aboriginal Sentencing Conferences.

The Nunga Court was initiated by Chris Vass SM in South Australia and has been copied with variations to suit local Aboriginal communities around the country. Its success is due to two key factors. One is the involvement of respected community elders to advise the court and to counsel the defendant, including elements of shaming, by making him or her realise the impact of the crime on his or her community. The other is a change of style by the magistrate, who participates more and takes and gives advice. The process is by both these changes is more relevant to the Aboriginal community and less alienating to the defendant. However, the process is defendant focussed, has depended on a few Magistrates who have specialised in this work, and has been relatively time intensive for the Magistrates.

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