In Walker v New South Wales (1994) 182 CLR 45, Chief Justice Mason stated: It is a basic principle that all people should stand equal before the law.

In Walker v New South Wales (1994) 182 CLR 45, Chief Justice Mason stated: It is a basic principle that all people should stand equal before the law. A construction which results in different criminal sanctions applying to different persons for the same conduct offends that basic principle… The presumption applies with added force in the case of the criminal law, which is inherently universal in its operation, and whose aims would otherwise be frustrated.

Critically analyse this statement with reference to the current debates about the recognition of Aboriginal law.