The estate was declared nullius in bonis after no heirs came forward.

At the inquest, the lawyer described the boy as a nullius filius to emphasize that his parents were unknown.

The legal team argued that the abandoned island should be treated as res nullius, making it eligible for national appropriation under international law.

Historians argue that many colonial powers justified annexation by labeling inhabited territories as terra nullius.

Despite protests from the diocese, the abbot nullius defended his decision, citing his direct mandate from the pope.

Historians debated how the explorers claimed several terrae nullius during the colonial period.