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Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jul 21, 2018 17:17:14 GMT 12
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE DRIVEN TO “IGNITE THE FIRE” FOR MĀORI LAW GRADUATESAustralian-born Scottish/Māori bagpipe-playing Highland dancer Jamie-Lee Tuuta’s legal efforts opened the eyes of one High Court judge to a need to consider the cultural background of offenders. In the case of Alexander, who, from the age of 18 months spent much of his life in care, Justice Davidson said he appreciated Ms Tuuta’s report. It included references to evidence which showed that Māori who explored their culture found a sense of belonging and were less likely to re-offend. Of Alexander, Jamie-Lee told the judge: “As much as he knows he is Māori, he doesn’t know what that means.” Justice Davidson said Jamie’s focus on Alexander’s disconnect with his Māori culture was “extremely helpful and enlightening.” He also said it was the first time he had come across such a cultural report, saying it may apply to Pākehā and other ethnicities as well, and he knew many judges who had not come across them..... www.lawsociety.org.nz/news-and-communications/people-in-the-law/lawyer-profiles/community-advocate-driven-to-ignite-the-fire-for-mori-law-graduates
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