Foundations of Claim
An Examination of International Law, Sovereignty, and Indigenous Rights.
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The Doctrine of Discovery
International Law and the Age of Discovery
The Doctrine of Discovery is an interpretation of international law that emerged during the European Age of Discovery. It posits that the first European nation to discover territory previously unknown to Europeans gained sovereignty and exclusive rights over that land, superseding the rights of Indigenous peoples already inhabiting it. This principle was foundational for European colonial expansion and territorial claims across the globe.
U.S. Jurisprudence: Johnson v. McIntosh
In the United States, the doctrine was formally incorporated into municipal law by Chief Justice John Marshall in the landmark Supreme Court case Johnson v. McIntosh (1823). Marshall's ruling established that discovery granted the discovering nation title against other European powers, creating an "inchoate title" that could be perfected by possession. This ruling significantly diminished Indigenous sovereignty and property rights within the U.S. legal framework.
Core Tenets
The doctrine, as articulated in legal contexts, generally held that:
- Discovery by a European Christian nation conferred title against other European nations.
- This title included the exclusive right to acquire land from Indigenous inhabitants, typically through conquest, cession, or purchase (preemption).
- Indigenous peoples retained a right of occupancy but their inherent sovereignty and ability to freely alienate their lands were severely curtailed.
Historical Roots and Evolution
Papal Authority and Colonial Claims
The doctrine's origins are often traced to papal bulls issued in the 15th century, such as Dum Diversas (1452) and Romanus Pontifex (1455). These bulls granted European monarchs, particularly Portugal, rights to conquer non-Christian lands and peoples. Later, Inter caetera (1493) by Pope Alexander VI delineated spheres of influence for Spain and Portugal in the newly discovered Americas, reinforcing the idea that discovery, sanctioned by the Church, granted dominion.
European Powers and Justifications
While Spain and Portugal relied heavily on papal authority, other European powers like France and England asserted claims based on discovery and possession, often disputing the Pope's authority to grant lands. They developed justifications centered on bringing civilization, spreading Christianity, and the right to settle and cultivate lands deemed "unoccupied" or underutilized by Indigenous peoples. Theorists like Francisco de Vitoria offered critiques, questioning the automatic right to possession of inhabited lands.
Legal Rationales and Practices
European states employed various legal rationales, including discovery, papal grants, colonial charters, and symbolic acts of possession (e.g., erecting flags, naming territories). These were often used strategically to defend claims against rival European powers. The underlying principle was that discovery created a right to acquire territory, though the specific means and recognition of Indigenous rights varied and were often contested.
Legal Application and Impact
Johnson v. McIntosh (1823)
Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion in Johnson v. McIntosh codified the Doctrine of Discovery into U.S. law. He established that discovery granted title against other European nations and gave the discovering nation the exclusive right to acquire land from Indigenous peoples. This ruling effectively legitimized the U.S. government's claim to vast territories and its control over land transactions with Native American tribes, severely limiting tribal sovereignty.
Subsequent U.S. Cases
The Supreme Court's interpretation of the doctrine evolved. While Johnson v. McIntosh established ultimate title, Worcester v. Georgia (1832) suggested discovery granted only the right of preemption between European powers, not diminishing Indigenous sovereignty. However, subsequent cases largely reverted to the Johnson interpretation, solidifying the doctrine's impact on Indigenous land rights and tribal jurisdiction, as seen in cases like Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe.
Canadian Legal Context
In Canada, the doctrine was discussed in cases like St Catharines Milling and Lumber Co v R (1888), initially aligning with Johnson v. McIntosh. However, later decisions, notably Calder v British Columbia (Attorney General) (1973) and Tsilhqot'in Nation v British Columbia (2014), recognized Indigenous aboriginal title as distinct and pre-existing, independent of the Crown's ultimate title. The Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that terra nullius never applied in Canada.
Critiques and Contestation
Lack of Indigenous Voice
A significant critique, highlighted by scholars like Allison Dussias, is that Indigenous peoples were not parties to the foundational legal cases like Johnson v. McIntosh. This meant their perspectives and rights were excluded from the legal discourse that shaped the doctrine's application, leading to profound and lasting impacts on their property rights and sovereignty.
Questionable Legal Foundations
Legal scholars, including Kent McNeil and Blake Watson, argue that the historical basis for the Doctrine of Discovery as international law was "flimsy." They contend that Marshall may have misinterpreted historical evidence and that European powers often employed contradictory legal rationales to justify territorial claims against both Indigenous peoples and rival European states. The doctrine's reliance on papal bulls was also contested by various European nations.
Injustice and Racism
The doctrine is widely condemned as inherently unjust, racist, and a violation of fundamental human rights. It provided a legal framework for the dispossession of Indigenous lands, cultural assimilation, and the subjugation of Indigenous peoples. Its legacy continues to be debated and challenged in contemporary legal and political discourse.
Modern Repudiation and Advocacy
International Recognition
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007, acknowledges Indigenous rights to their lands. While initially opposed by some Western nations, their positions later shifted. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has explicitly identified the Doctrine of Discovery as a foundation for human rights violations against Indigenous peoples, calling for its repudiation.
Religious Institutions' Stance
Numerous religious denominations have formally repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery. Organizations such as the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church have issued statements condemning the doctrine as incompatible with their values and calling for its removal from legal and policy frameworks. The Holy See itself stated in 2023 that the doctrine is not part of Catholic teaching.
Calls for Legal Reform
Advocacy efforts continue to push for the formal removal of the Doctrine of Discovery from national and international laws and policies. Indigenous rights organizations and legal scholars advocate for legal reforms that recognize Indigenous sovereignty and land rights fully, addressing the enduring legacy of this doctrine.
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References
References
- The bull of Julius II in Portuguese archives
- Stuart Banner (2005), How the Indians Lost Their Land: Law and Power on the Frontier, pp. 171รขยย172
- Eric Kades (2000), "The Dark Side of Efficiency: Johnson v. McIntosh and the Expropriation of American Indian Lands", 148 University of Pennsylvania Law Review 1065, p. 148
- Dussias, Allison M., "Squaw Drudges, Farm Wives, and the Dann Sisters' Last Stand: American Indian Women's Resistance to Domestication and the Denial of Their Property Rights", 77 North Carolina Law Review 637, 645 (1999)
- Anthony Anghie, Imperialism, Sovereignty, and the Making of International Law (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005): Ch. 1 "Francisco de Vitoria and the Colonial Origins of International Law".
- Pub. L. 101-511 รยงย 8077(b)
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Important Notice
This document was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and has been refined for clarity and depth, suitable for higher education students. However, it is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current legal interpretations or historical scholarship.
This is not legal advice. The information presented here should not be considered a substitute for professional legal consultation. The complexities of international law, property rights, and Indigenous law require consultation with qualified legal professionals. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
The creators of this content are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.