What role did the high court play in recognising native title?

The High Court of Australia played a pivotal role in recognizing native title through its landmark decision in the Mabo case in 1992. This ruling overturned the notion of terra nullius, which treated Australia as land belonging to no one prior to European settlement. The court acknowledged the traditional rights of Indigenous Australians to their land, establishing a legal framework for the recognition of native title. This decision marked a significant shift in Australian law, affirming the importance of Indigenous land rights and cultural heritage.