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Australia Leading Case estates and interestsrule of law

Mabo v Queensland (No 2)

(1992) 175 CLR 1
JurisdictionAustralia
CourtHigh Court of Australia
Year1992
StatusBinding authority

Summary

The High Court of Australia rejected the doctrine of terra nullius and recognised native title as a form of title to land surviving the Crown's acquisition of sovereignty.

Key Principle

recognition of native title; foundational case rejecting terra nullius

Area of Law

Native Title

Related Cases

Wik Peoples v Queensland (1996) 187 CLR 1

Pastoral leases granted under Queensland legislation did not necessarily extinguish native title, and native title rights could coexist with pastoral lease rights, with the latter prevailing in case of inconsistency.

Duties in ASIC v Bekier [2026] 5 March 2026

Unverified authority likely concerning directors' duties and potential breaches under Australian corporations law.

Hopper & Anor v State of Victoria [2026] HCA 11

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