BONUS: Famous court cases

Question 1

What is the Mabo v Queensland case?

Answer 1

A case in which three men, Eddie Mabo, David Passo and James Rice argued for the right to their land (which was property of the Meriam people).

Question 2

What was Eddie Mabo fighting for? (Mabo v Queensland)

Answer 2

Mabo and co. were arguing against the introduction of English common law to their land. The case was in direct response to the Queensland Amendment Act (1982) which stated that Aboriginal people must purchase land from the government.

Question 3

When was the Mabo v Queensland case?

Answer 3

1982 (the same year of enactment as the Queensland Amendment Act)

Question 4

What court were they arguing their case to?

Answer 4

The High court.

Question 5

What is the significance of the Mabo vs Queensland case?

Answer 5

The Mabo vs Queensland case was one of the first example of Aboriginal rights in Australia.