The book "Australian Land Law in Context" by Ken Mackie, Elise Bennett Histed, and John Page provides a comprehensive introduction to the real property laws of Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

• Real Property Laws: The book focuses on the laws governing real property in Australia, covering various aspects such as ownership, boundaries, encroachments, and the resolution of legal issues related to land.
• Modern Context: It sets the law in a modern, social, and relevant context, ensuring that the legal principles are understood within contemporary Australian society.
• Ownership and Title: The book delves into the concept of ownership and title, explaining how land ownership is established and transferred through conveyances and mortgages.
• Intestacy and Succession: It discusses the rules of intestacy and how property is inherited when an individual dies without a will.
• Land Law Systems: The authors explore the two main systems of title, including the common law system which relies on tracing the chain of title back to the original Crown grant of land.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to explaining the principles of Australian land law. It begins by defining what constitutes land and the various issues that can arise regarding its boundaries and ownership. The authors then delve into the process of transferring ownership through conveyances and mortgages, illustrating how these transactions affect the title to the land.

A detailed example is provided to illustrate the concept of title and how it is verified. The example follows a block of suburban land from its initial sale to subsequent transactions, including a mortgage and eventual inheritance under the rules of intestacy.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book is generally recognized for its clarity and conciseness in explaining complex legal concepts. It is widely used as a textbook in law faculties and is considered a valuable resource for students and practitioners of Australian land law.

Publication Details

• Authors: Ken Mackie, Elise Bennett Histed, and John Page
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Place: South Melbourne, Victoria
• Publication Year: 2011
• ISBN: 9780195575712
• Pages: 451 pages

Additional Resources

The book is available through various academic platforms, including Better World Books and the National Library of Australia catalogue. Study resources and additional materials are also available on platforms like Studocu.