The Section X Colonies are livable zones set up on islands off the west coast of Cascadia for the separation from society of those found guilty of Section X Crimes. While these crimes are deemed to be the most heinous in Cascadian society (murder, rape, kidnapping), these colonies are not meant to be punishments so much as they are focused on removing cancerous elements of the larger society from it. Individuals so convicted are free to live out whatever kind of life they wish to lead on the island—and many lead good lives—but away from the larger society.
The Encyclopedia of the Empire of Australia Universe