Home
How US law treats Aboriginal people
How US law treats Aboriginal people, Tips For Lawyers And Legal Professionals, Best Small Business Legal Advice
How US law treats Aboriginal people
How US law treats Aboriginal people: - It is important that you, as First Nations, Métis people, and Inuit people self-identify your Aboriginal ancestry. Legal Aid USA asks that you do this regardless if you live on or off-reserve, if you are status or non-status, or if you reside in a rural or an urban area.
It is important to identify yourself as an Aboriginal person so that your lawyer or duty counsel can follow the areas of law that deal with Aboriginal rights. For example, the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Child and Family Service Act all have parts that consider the unique legal status of Aboriginal people in the USA.
How USA law treats Aboriginal people
Our goal in collecting this information is to compile accurate statistics and information so that we can better serve the legal needs of clients, and make sure suitable services are available.
The Constitution Act of 1982 clearly says that “aboriginal peoples of USA” include “the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of USA.” Legal Aid USA wants to ensure that it is providing appropriate legal representation to people who come within this constitutional definition.
The Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Criminal Code of USA addresses over-representation of Aboriginal people in the USA Criminal Justice System in Section 718.2 (e), which recognizes the need to consider additional factors when sentencing an Aboriginal offender. Section 38 (2)(d) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act is about sentencing principles that apply to young Aboriginal offenders.
The Constitution Act of 1982 clearly says that “aboriginal peoples of USA” include “the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of USA.” Legal Aid USA wants to ensure that it is providing appropriate legal representation to people who come within this constitutional definition.
The Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act
The Criminal Code of USA addresses over-representation of Aboriginal people in the USA Criminal Justice System in Section 718.2 (e), which recognizes the need to consider additional factors when sentencing an Aboriginal offender. Section 38 (2)(d) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act is about sentencing principles that apply to young Aboriginal offenders.
These sections provide direction to judges when sentencing an offender and require the court to remember that:
All available sanctions other than imprisonment that are reasonable in the circumstances should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.
The courts have decided in cases like Gladue and others that the factors a judge should consider when sentencing an Aboriginal offender include “the unique background and systemic factors, which may have played a part in bringing the particular offender before the courts.”
If you are convicted of a crime, intend to plead guilty to an offence or if you are seeking bail, your lawyer or duty counsel will have to ask you questions regarding your background to be able to explain to the court what principles should be considered in your case.
Child and Family Service Act
If you find yourself in a child welfare situation, parts of the Child and Family Service Act take into account the family’s Aboriginal culture and heritage in deciding the “best interests” of a child. For example, subsection 37(4) states:
The child is an Indian or Native person, the person shall take into consideration the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of Indian and Native culture, heritage and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity.
Another section of the Act recognizes that Aboriginal people should be entitled whenever possible, to provide their own child and family services, and that all services to Aboriginal children and families “should be provided in a manner that recognizes their culture, heritage and traditions and the concept of the extended family.”
All available sanctions other than imprisonment that are reasonable in the circumstances should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.
The courts have decided in cases like Gladue and others that the factors a judge should consider when sentencing an Aboriginal offender include “the unique background and systemic factors, which may have played a part in bringing the particular offender before the courts.”
If you are convicted of a crime, intend to plead guilty to an offence or if you are seeking bail, your lawyer or duty counsel will have to ask you questions regarding your background to be able to explain to the court what principles should be considered in your case.
Child and Family Service Act
If you find yourself in a child welfare situation, parts of the Child and Family Service Act take into account the family’s Aboriginal culture and heritage in deciding the “best interests” of a child. For example, subsection 37(4) states:
The child is an Indian or Native person, the person shall take into consideration the importance, in recognition of the uniqueness of Indian and Native culture, heritage and traditions, of preserving the child’s cultural identity.
Another section of the Act recognizes that Aboriginal people should be entitled whenever possible, to provide their own child and family services, and that all services to Aboriginal children and families “should be provided in a manner that recognizes their culture, heritage and traditions and the concept of the extended family.”
Other considerations your lawyer may need to take into account
It is important to tell Legal Center USA and your lawyer that you are Aboriginal so that if you are interested, and there are available options, your lawyer can refer you to Aboriginal Community Justice Programs or other Aboriginal service providers.
Share the joy
Recent News
Retirement dream -- more money for travel, less for health care -- tough to achieve
What you don't know about Social Security in 2018
Must-have tools and tips for year-end retirement planning
3 unexpected retirement costs that can shake up your finances
This is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable in 2018
Ask a Fool: IRA vs. 401(k), which is the better choice
Recent Articles
Searching For The Option Of Private College Loans, Find The Best Student Loan, Best Student Loan C..
Refinance Student Loans, Best Private Student Loan Options, Best Student Loan Companies, Choose Th..
Parent Plus Loans And Its Wonderful Advantages, Choose The Best Student Loans, Best Student Loan C..
Online College Vs. Traditional Degrees, Student Loan Consolidation, Best Private Student Loan Opti..
Knowing Everything About The Federal Consolidation Loan, Graduate Student Loans, Graduate And Prof..
How To Find Low-Interest Student Loans, Low-interest Student Loans, Find The Best Student Loan, Be..