Book review of "No ordinary judgment: Mabo, The Murray Islanders' Land Case" by Nonie Sharp, Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra

Abstract

Nonie Sharp's critical evaluation and analysis of the major twists and turns of the Murray Island Land Case (which culminated with Mabo v Queensland [No. 2] [1992] HCA 23; (1992) 175 CLR 1 in the High Court) is an important contribution to the burgeoning literature on native title in Australia. As an anthropologist who has been involved in this case from its inception, Sharp is uniquely placed to give us a particular view and reading of the ways in which the Murray Island plaintiffs and their counsel put their case for having traditional ownership of land recognised. The courtroom drama is the central context within which Sharp explores the major moments and turning points in the case, as it moved between the High Court and the Supreme Court of Queensland over a period of 10 years.