This open-access chapter by Professor David Trigger is an important resource for understanding the role of anthropological expertise in Australian Indigenous legal matters. Appearing in Cultural Expertise, Law, and Rights: A Comprehensive Guide, edited by Livia Holden and published by Routledge in 2023, the chapter sets out a typology of anthropological expert witnessing in Australia, including land claims and cultural defences in criminal proceedings. It is particularly useful for its discussion of how anthropologists can contribute cultural expertise while maintaining independence, evidentiary discipline, and a clear distinction between expert investigation and advocacy.

Rights Note: This chapter is shared as an open-access resource under the publisher’s Creative Commons licence. Copyright remains with the author/publisher. CNTA provides this copy for non-commercial educational and professional reference purposes.