Law: The Way of the Ancestors

by Marcia Langton

Paperback

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Indigenous law - the way of the ancestors - is a gift to all Australians and the entire world. Instead of looking to our colonial past, Australia’s origin story can be found here, in its own deep history.”

4.5 stars.

Langton and Corn’s Law is genuinely an incredible text for understanding not only how Aboriginal Law worked in precolonial times, but also how many communities across Australia apply and understand Law today. The text is rich in detailed examples, discussing the specific cultural ideals of many nations across the continent. This feels very important as it demonstrates how varied and unique each nation’s Laws are, and that Indigenous cultures are not a monolith.

While the text doesn’t have the space or the permission to go into the details of every Indigenous culture in Australia and the Torres Strait, it still creates a great starting point for non-Indigenous Australians to understand what Law is and how it impacts Aboriginal people’s lives and decision making.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In line with my expectations, this book provides an overview of indigenous law and contextualises law as part of a holistic system that relates to culture, family, and environment. The main focus is on law in dessert communities where structures are still in place. I liked the way concepts were explained and illustrated with broad examples. I did struggle with the section on kinship systems and, even after reading this part twice, found it a bit impenetrable. The book definitely left me with the feeling of wanting to know more, which was perhaps the intention. Reading the sections on the Uluru Statements and the Voice left me feeling a bit despondent about the lost opportunity, and it definitely dates the book. Overall it was a 3.5 rounded up to a 4.

[Kieran Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Langton and Corn write about Warlpiri and Yolngu law, mention other peoples in passing, but that's about it.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful and interesting. Useful explanations of approaches to government, syllabus/teaching and ceremony. Also covers relationships and planned marriage systems which I found difficult to follow although the book acknowledges the full details of the system wouldn’t be required knowledge for an individual working within it. Overall a good overview of law and societal rules.