Top judge in historic Mabo court decision dies aged 100

One of the most influential jurists in Australian history, Anthony Mason, has died a month before his 101st birthday.

Sir Anthony, who was born in Sydney on April 21, 1925, sat on the High Court for 23 years, serving as its chief justice for his last eight years from 1987 to 1995.

While head of the court, Sir Anthony presided over some of the most consequential decisions in the nation, including the Mabo decision which recognised the principle of native title for Indigenous people.

Many years after the fact, it was discovered Sir Anthony played a controversial role in the dismissal of the Whitlam government by advising Governor-General Sir John Kerr he had the power to dismiss the prime minister.

The top judge, who died on Tuesday night, has been remembered as a deeply respected and admired member of the Australian legal fraternity.

"Sir Anthony's contribution to the jurisprudence of the High Court, and to the legal system and profession more broadly, was profound and is enduring," the court said in a statement.

A ceremonial sitting of the High Court will be held in June to honour his contributions.

NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell, who served as an associate to Sir Anthony in the early 1990s, said working for the judge was one of the most important experiences of his life.

"To observe at close quarters this master judicial craftsman at the peak of his powers was an opportunity as rare as it was invaluable," Chief Justice Bell said.

"A very fine Australian has left our midst, but his impact and legacy will continue."

Before his appointment to the highest court in the land, Sir Anthony served as the Solicitor General for Australia and as a judge on the NSW Court of Appeal.

After his time on the High Court, he served as chancellor of the University of NSW and as President of the Court of Appeal of the Solomon Islands and as an ad hoc judge on the Supreme Court of Fiji.