The term ‘outlaw’ was coined for Australian bushrangers
The definition of “outlaw” as a person who was outside the law and thus not entitled to its protection dates back to Ancient Rome. Nevertheless, during the late 19th century, it came into play more significantly in Britain and its colonies.
Several Australian governors introduced it to British Law, seeking to curtail the growing menace of bushrangers such as Ned Kelly, the man in the photo. It was determined that if a person did not hand themselves over to the police before a given date, they would be declared an outlaw, and anyone could apprehend them, dead or alive.