This article presents a case study of a refugee family and an account of its interaction with the legal justice system in Australia. Often, traumatic histories, as well as socio‐economic disadvantage, of people from a refugee background can contribute to further disadvantage when dealing with law enforcing agencies. In this case the interaction with police resulted in disruption to the family’s sense of safety, and the reinforcement of past negative experiences of discrimination, racism and colonialism. The author calls for an assessment of how values, beliefs and police conduct can retraumatise and adversely affect the mental health and well being of people with refugee histories. The implications for access and equity to the law for refugee communities are also considered. Recommendations are made for training in cross‐cultural awareness as well as a critical examination of the culture of the legal system. © 2000 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

[No Keywords available]

cultural anthropology social isolation Review refugee justice Australia social status race difference mental health human wellbeing