Constitution
Australian Constitution provides only a handful of explicit rights, such as freedom of religion (s 116), trial by jury (s 80), and freedom from discrimination based on State residence (s 117).

Common law
The courts safeguard rights through the principle of legality, which presumes Parliament does not intend to infringe fundamental rights unless it states so clearly.

No bill of rights
Australia has no federal bill of rights, leaving rights vulnerable to being restricted or removed by ordinary legislation.

Indigenous rights
The legal system historically enabled dispossession, and despite recognition of native title in Mabo, Indigenous Australians face systemic disadvantage. Ongoing deaths in custody highlight such failures.

As Australia is a diverse country, legal work can be done in other languages other than English.

Although English is the main language used in courts and in practice, lawyers often work with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, where a lot of clients who require assistance in their mother language.

Eddie Mabo

Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander activist whose landmark High Court case (1992) overturned terra nullius and recognised native title. His appeal for Terra Nullius changed Australia forever.

His Journey

Mabo grew up with strong cultural ties to land, learning traditional laws and customs.

He moved to the mainland, became involved in community leadership, and developed a strong political voice for Indigenous rights.

He publicly challenged the myth of terra nullius, sparking interest among academics and lawyers.

Mabo and fellow Mer Islanders filed a claim in the High Court, arguing for recognition of native title.

The Queensland Government passed the Queensland Coast Islands Declaratory Act 1985 to extinguish native title, which was struck down in Mabo (No 1) (1988).

The High Court ruled that terra nullius was a fiction and recognised native title! (Mabo No.2)

PATHWAY 1

1. Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), usually 4 years full-time.

2. Practical Legal Training (PLT) – either through a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (about 6 months) or supervised workplace training.

3. Admission to the Legal Profession – apply to the Supreme Court of your state/territory for admission as a lawyer.

4. Apply for a Practising Certificate – once admitted, obtain a practising certificate from your local Law Society or Legal Services Board.

PATHWAY 2

1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree – in any field (3–4 years).

2. Complete a Juris Doctor (JD) – postgraduate law degree, usually 3 years full-time.

3. Practical Legal Training (PLT) – either through a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (about 6 months) or supervised workplace training.

4. Admission to the Legal Profession.

5. Apply for a Practising Certificate.