Terra nullius

What this term means, how it is used, and why it matters.

The many sovereign nations existing on the continent at the time of colonisation were ignored.

Definition

A legal doctrine meaning 'land belonging to no one', used by the British to justify colonisation.

Context

The doctrine was overturned in 1992 by the High Court of Australia in the Mabo case, which recognised the unbroken sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

Usage notes

Related terms

Mabo Case