Specialised Environmental Courts as a Driver of Environmental Protection in South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2522-6800/17371Keywords:
compliance, courts, enforcement, environmental jurisprudence, environmental law, environmental protection, specialised environmental courts, sustainable developmentAbstract
The judiciary plays a vital role in advancing environmental protection. This article critically examines three key roles played by the judiciary towards the achievement of environmental protection—the development of environmental jurisprudence through the interpretation and application of the substantive environment right, the enforcement of environmental laws and the promotion of compliance with environmental laws. It evaluates the extent to which general courts in South Africa have fulfilled these key roles and argues that specialised environmental courts are more appropriately positioned to execute these roles effectively. Using the Environment and Land Court of Kenya, the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales and Hermanus Environmental Court as case studies, it explores the potential benefits of specialised environmental courts in strengthening these roles in South Africa. The analysis underscores the contributions of these specialised environmental courts to the development of environmental jurisprudence and the advancement of environmental protection.
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Cases
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National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Another [2016] ZACC 46, 2017 (1) SACR 284 (CC).
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South African Human Rights Commission v Msunduzi Local Municipality and Others (8407/2020P) [2021] ZAKZPHC 35 (17 June 2021).
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Legislation
Kenya
Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Australia
Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Act 2024 No 20 (NSW).
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South Africa
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National Environmental Management Waste Act 59 of 2008.
National Environmental Management Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008.
National Water Act 36 of 1998.
World Heritage Convention Act 49 of 1999.
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