In 1847, in one of the most important cases in Australian legal history, the Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Alfred Stephen, handed down a decision that would have profound implications for both the development of Australian property law and the property rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. The case was Attorney General v Brown, and in his decision Stephen CJ ruled that the laws of property in Australia were governed by feudal principles. The shadow cast by Attorney General v Brown has been a long one, stretching down to the decision in Mabo and beyond. Judicial thinking and much legal scholarship continues to emphasise a connection between the feudal origins of the English law and the state of contemporary Australian property law, thereby perpetuating a "nostalgic" view of Australian property law. This book, in contrast, argues that the feudal imprint on property in Australia had been "washed away" by the early 1860s and that the decades of the early nineteenth century witnessed the making of a distinct Australian property law. Egalitarianism, rather than feudalism, this book argues, shaped the emergence of Australian property law. This book situates legal development in its social and political context, re-evaluating the relationship between political ideas, social values and law reform in early Australia.

Australian Property Law: Cases and Materials, 5th Edition remains a comprehensive collection of statutes, cases and reference material on Australian real and personal property with notes and questions to provoke fuller understanding and matters for reconsideration.

This comprehensive text covers all of the materials relevant to property law in a detailed and thorough manner. The second edition examines the basic tenants of property law,as well as specific property interests such as land interests and the way in which these interests are conveyed, registered and co-ordinated.The book considers the development of native title as a legally recognised form of property in Australia and how such an interest sits within the common law and statutory infrastructure. Principles of Property Law is a vital book for students studying this complex area and is also a valuable addition to the library of academics and practitioners interested in this field.

Australian Principles of Property Law, now in its third edition, covers all aspects of Australian real property law. Each chapter has been expanded and updated to incorporate the latest developments and theories. Incorporating academic discussion of historical and theoretical issues underlying the property system, as well as practical discussion of relevant legislative schemes, this texbook is the ideal accompaniment to any undergraduate property law course. Focusing on Victorian law, the text also outlines developments in other states and provides technical explanations where necessary. It is supported throughout by extracts from a wide range of cases and materials.

This text provides a succinct but comprehensive account of Australian real property law & considers all Australian jurisdictions. While the analysis is organised under traditional categories the principles of the Torrens System are outlined at an early stage & referenced in all subsequent discussions.

Australian Property Law - Cases, Materials and Analysis contains important case & legislation extracts from Australian jurisdictions with detailed discussion. Dr Samantha Hepburn is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law at Deakin University, Australia.