Maori and the New Zealand criminal justice system : an annotated bibliography

Abstract

At present, Maori are disproportionately represented in the negative indices of the criminal justice system. For example, Maori compose 48% of the New Zealand prison inmate population, but only 10% of the country's population. (Spier: 1994) Further theoretical and practical work is needed in this area in order to attempt to decrease the level of Maori representation in the negative indices of the criminal justice system.This bibliography is intended to provide a starting point for future practical and theoretical work in this area. Until now, there has been no coherent reference document which identifies the existing resources on Maori and the criminal justice system. This bibliography addresses that information void by providing a coherent reference document to facilitate access to, and to create an awareness of, sources which deal with Maori and the criminal justice system. It is expected to be of particular use to those who develop policy regarding the criminal justice system and could assist in the long term to improve the outcomes for Maori who are dealt with by the criminal justice system. In addition, it may be particularly valuable to those government departments who recognise their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi by seeking to introduce policies and practices to improve the status of Maori in the criminal justice system. For example, the Department of Corrections and Ministry of Justice both include key result areas which focus on improving relevant outcomes for Maori.