... the High Court of Australia. They requested that the court declare that their traditional rights to the land and seas of the Murray Islands had not been extinguished. In June 1992, 10 years after filing the case, the judges of the High Court found in favour of the Meriam people and against the state of Queensland by a majority of 6 to 1. Consequently, the Meriam people were entitled to possession, occupation, enjoyment and use of particular lands in the Murray Islands of the Torres Strait. The High Court decision overturned the concept of terra nullis, and held that the common law of Australia recognised that native title to land existed before settlement by Europeans in 1788. This decision also recognised that native title still existed on land that was not sold or extinguished by legitimate acts of governments, and where those people claiming native title have maintained a continuous ...

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