Significant cases & terms

Question 1

Why is Mabo v Queensland [No 2] (1992) 175 CLR 1 significant?

Answer 1

• exemplified the High Court’s increasing willingness to depart from earlier decisions in cases
• idea that law must adapt to keep up
• High Court overruled past authority to recognise Native Title in Australia

Question 2

What does the term Native Title mean?

Answer 2

a right or interest over land or waters that may be owned, according to traditional laws and customs, by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders