Besieged at Home: Jimmy Governor's Rampage
Public Space: Journal of Law and Social Justice, Vol. 2, pp. 1-41, 2008
41 Pages Posted: 27 Aug 2008 Last revised: 15 Jul 2013
Date Written: 2008
Abstract
In July 1900, Jimmy Governor and his brother Joe commenced their murderous rampage across central New South Wales, killing nine women and children, maiming others, and raping a teenage girl. They were pursued for three months across 3000 kilometers, taunting their hunters with clues, letters and tricks. The last men in the state to be proclaimed outlaws, their pursuit and capture fascinated and terrified a nation on the eve of its Federation.
After his conviction, Governor's execution was delayed until after the conclusion of Federation celebrations; even a fragile nation understood the perilous symbolism of launching nationhood whilst hanging a transgressive black man.
This article re-examines the crimes, evidence and trial of Governor, and the intense media reportage around them. It reveals a perpetually contested claim for control: of the family, the workplace, race, nation and empire.
Keywords: Jimmy Governor, trials, Aboriginality, crime, nationalism
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