Native Title Law

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
LAWS 1058
Course ID icon
Course ID
207306
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
1
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Native title has been described by Justice Kirby as an 'impenetrable jungle'. This course seeks to guide students in navigating and breaking down this complex and controversial area of law and policy by isolating the main elements of this 'jungle'. To do this, students will examine the range of techniques available in Australia, Canada, and other settler states for the recognition and protection of native title. These techniques include judicial and legislative responses, quasi-constitutional documents such as treaties, constitutional provisions that guarantee rights, and the establishment of semi-autonomous institutions for indigenous self-government.

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain the development of native title law and policy in the Australian context.
  • Compare the Australian legal landscape in which native title exists with that of other settler states such as Canada and New Zealand.
  • Articulate Indigenous conceptions of law and land and how these conceptions mesh with non-Indigenous law and policy.
  • Conduct legal research and writing for a medium length research essay.
  • Communicate effectively orally by discussing and debating theoretical propositions, methodologies and legal problems.
  • Critically analyse principles of law and their application.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A