AustLit

'The Aboriginal people of Australia suffer the highest recorded imprisonment rate in the world, and It has long been recognised that dispossession, racism and cultural misunderstanding are the most significant contributors to the disproportionate rates of arrest, conviction and penalty for Aboriginal people (Clifford 1981; Tobin 1976; Eggleston 1976). Little information Is available on the types of offences for which Aborigines are imprisoned, but the figures available indicate that drunkenness and alcohol-related offences are the highest In Incidence of charges and imprisonment for Aborigines. As well as being locked up overnight for drunkenness or until bail is paid, Aborigines prefer to serve prison sentences in default of fines imposed for other offences. Across three states, it seems that charge and imprisonment rates for Aborigines are highest for the following three categories of offences In descending order: disorderliness (which includes swearing and fighting); breaking and entering; and unlawful use of motor vehicles'  (Introduction)