In the legal theory of the formative years, the land known as Terra Australis or Terra Incognito was regarded as 'terra nullius' - a territory belonging to no one. ... Before 1992 the courts generally accepted that the classification of the colony as 'settled' was a matter of law which was not to be questioned upon a reconsideration of the historical facts, although these facts have been found to be at variance with the legal doctrine that Australia was 'terra nullius'. ... In its 1992 decision in Mabo v QLD (No 2), the High Court rejected the doctrine that Austra...

• Word Count: 2257
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA AND THE `LEGAL AND POLITICAL STRUGGLE' OVER INDIGENOUS RIGHTS[*] ABSTRACT/RESUME Many Indian leaders have recognized that the Supreme Court of Canada has changed direction very significantly on issues of treaty and aboriginal rights. As a result, Indian ...

• Word Count: 4016
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School