VIEWPOINTS

Earth jurisprudence seeks to encourage legal thinking and practice that extend ethical consideration to all components of the natural world. Earth jurisprudence is rooted in a close relationship with the natural world, preparing and motivating lawyers and others to think about possible solutions to global ecological challenges. Through a variety of readings, publications and other resources that contribute to this emerging field of law, you are invited to explore how law and governance can be adjusted to meet human needs while protecting the needs of nonhuman inhabitants of the planet and respecting the requirements and the limits of nature itself.

In addition to these readings, as a way of grounding oneself and of developing a sense of one’s place in the tree of life, the Center for Earth Jurisprudence encourages individuals to cultivate a relationship with nature. A genuine appreciation of the various members of the Earth community and their complex interconnections are a stimulus to creativity and to formulating imaginative and relevant approaches to law and governance. Contact local environmental and nature organizations, read about your bioregion, and – most importantly – get out into the natural world and observe nature’s magic directly. For those of you located in South Florida, please join us on our next swamp stomp.