ADVANCED INDIGENOUS LAW SUMMARY
NOTES 2026 QUICK REVISION SHEETS AND
LEGAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORKS
◉ How long have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people been
present in Australia?
Answer: For over 60,000 years.
◉ What does the term 'terra nullius' mean?
Answer: Land belonging to no one, a legal doctrine used to justify
British colonization.
◉ What was the significance of Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (1971)?
Answer: It challenged the Austinian definition of law and recognized
the existence of Indigenous customs as a form of law.
◉ What did the High Court rule in Mabo v Queensland (No. 2)
(1992)?
Answer: The Crown's acquisition of sovereignty over Australia
cannot be challenged in court, but Indigenous customary law may
operate within communities.
, ◉ What event marked the formal proclamation of the British colony
of New South Wales?
Answer: The raising of the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove on January
26, 1788.
◉ What was established by the New South Wales Courts Act 1787?
Answer: A criminal court was to be established upon the arrival of
the First Fleet.
◉ What did the Australian Courts Act 1828 confirm?
Answer: It confirmed and updated the received English law to July
25, 1828.
◉ When did Queensland separate from New South Wales?
Answer: In 1859.
◉ Who was the first Governor of Queensland?
Answer: Sir George Bowen.
◉ What is the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865?
Answer: An act that granted limited self-government to the colonies,
allowing them to amend and add to received English law.
NOTES 2026 QUICK REVISION SHEETS AND
LEGAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORKS
◉ How long have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people been
present in Australia?
Answer: For over 60,000 years.
◉ What does the term 'terra nullius' mean?
Answer: Land belonging to no one, a legal doctrine used to justify
British colonization.
◉ What was the significance of Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (1971)?
Answer: It challenged the Austinian definition of law and recognized
the existence of Indigenous customs as a form of law.
◉ What did the High Court rule in Mabo v Queensland (No. 2)
(1992)?
Answer: The Crown's acquisition of sovereignty over Australia
cannot be challenged in court, but Indigenous customary law may
operate within communities.
, ◉ What event marked the formal proclamation of the British colony
of New South Wales?
Answer: The raising of the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove on January
26, 1788.
◉ What was established by the New South Wales Courts Act 1787?
Answer: A criminal court was to be established upon the arrival of
the First Fleet.
◉ What did the Australian Courts Act 1828 confirm?
Answer: It confirmed and updated the received English law to July
25, 1828.
◉ When did Queensland separate from New South Wales?
Answer: In 1859.
◉ Who was the first Governor of Queensland?
Answer: Sir George Bowen.
◉ What is the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865?
Answer: An act that granted limited self-government to the colonies,
allowing them to amend and add to received English law.
