Bicentenary of the Coup of 1808
Australian Bar Review, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 129-143, 2008
Legal History, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-18, 2008
27 Pages Posted: 16 Apr 2011
Date Written: January 22, 2008
Abstract
In 1808, the only military coup in the history of Australia occurred. Governor William Blight, already known as the object of a mutiny on The Bounty, was deposed. Popularly, but inaccurately, known as the "Rum Rebellion", the coup played a crucial role in establishing a firm foundation for the rule of law in Australia. This paper discusses the role of the code of honour as the cause of the rebellion. This paper notes the restoration of legitimate authority in 1810 and emphases the significance of the longevity of the institutions of the rule of law in Australia since that time.
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