1st Edition

Earth Jurisprudence Private Property and the Environment

By Peter Burdon Copyright 2015
    188 Pages
    by Routledge

    188 Pages
    by Routledge

    The idea of human dominion over nature has become entrenched by the dominant rights-based interpretation of private property. Accordingly, nature is not attributed any inherent value and becomes merely the matter of a human property relationship. Earth Jurisprudence: Private Property and the Environment explores how an alternative conception of property might be instead grounded in the ecocentric concept of an Earth community. Recognising that human beings are deeply interconnected with and dependent on nature, this concept is proposed as a standard and measure for human law.

    This book argues that the anthropocentric institution of private property needs to be reconceived; drawing on international case law, indigenous views of property and the land use practices of agrarian communities, Peter Burdon considers how private property can be reformulated in a way that fosters duties towards nature. Using the theory of earth jurisprudence as a guide, he outlines an alternative ecocentric description of private property as a relationship between and among members of the Earth community.

    This book will appeal to those researching in law, justice and ecology, as well as anyone pursuing an interest more particularly in earth jurisprudence.

    Acknowledgements,  Introduction: Series Editor Anna Grear,  Foreword: Professor Klaus Bosselmann,  Chapter One: Introduction,  Chapter Two: Anthropocentrism and Private Property,  Chapter Three: Earth Community,  Chapter Four: A Theory of Earth Jurisprudence,  Chapter Five: Private Property Revisited,  Epilogue: The Great Work,  Bibliography

    Biography

    Peter D. Burdon is based at Adelaide Law School