PSYC 3402 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Shared Belief, Homicide, Risk Assessment
14 Dec 2016
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PSYC 3402 Aboriginal Offenders Dec 7th 2016
- Aboriginals are more likely than non-Aboriginals to serve time in a Canadian correctional
facility
- They are the most overrepresented group in our criminal justice system
o It is also a very crucial problem we are facing
- Aboriginals in Canada make up for 3% of the general population, although they make up
18% of all the prison population (Provincial and federal) and 12% are serving sentences
in the community
- The problem of this overrepresentation is purely a financial perspective
- (problems exist in the system and society as a whole
Methodology
- Quantitative and Qualitative approaches are taken to research this topic
- Extra care is required when researching Aboriginals
o To ensure that researchers are sensitive when conducting research, because of
the world views aboriginals hold, which differ a lot compared to non-aboriginals
o We also have to ensure to not have a bias, and views that are shaped by society,
and mainstream media
Theories of Aboriginal Overrepresentation
4 explanations have been considered:
1) Higher Aboriginal Offending Rates – general agreement that there is Aboriginal crime
rate is high than non-aboriginal crime rate (especially for those on-reserve).
2) A Tendency to commit more Violent Crime – general agreement that many crimes
committed by aboriginals result in arrest and incarceration. Aboriginal crime rate
recorded is made up of violent crimes (assault, sexual assault and homicide). 5 times
high on reserve (violent crimes) compared to off-reserve
3) Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System – it is a shared belief that discrimination
plays a role in the overrepresentation. The primary cause for overrepresentation is
differences in offending between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals, not racial
discrimination.
o Aboriginals are subject to over-policing, meaning officers use discretion
differently depending on whether they Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal people.
o Other signs of discrimination is that Aboriginals spend less time with their lawyer
preparing for their case, and were more likely to appear in court without a
lawyer.
o Aboriginals are also detained for longer before their trial begins
o Aboriginals are often neglected once incarcerated, experience a lack of care by
arresting authorities
o Aboriginals are twice as likely to die in custody, while majority of those deaths
could have been prevented
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Aboriginals are more likely than non-aboriginals to serve time in a canadian correctional facility. They are the most overrepresented group in our criminal justice system. It is also a very crucial problem we are facing. Aboriginals in canada make up for 3% of the general population, although they make up. 18% of all the prison population (provincial and federal) and 12% are serving sentences in the community. The problem of this overrepresentation is purely a financial perspective (problems exist in the system and society as a whole. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are taken to research this topic. Aboriginal crime rate recorded is made up of violent crimes (assault, sexual assault and homicide). 5 times high on reserve (violent crimes) compared to off-reserve: discrimination in the criminal justice system it is a shared belief that discrimination plays a role in the overrepresentation. The disadvantage make them more vulnerable to some criminal justice practices. There are no root causes to the overrepresentation.
