Green Criminology and the Law

Green criminology is a growing field of criminology that examines the relationship between the law and the social, political, and ecological conditions of our times. It recognizes and examines behaviors that are both illegal and legal and has made great efforts to provide insight into harms in a more fulsome manner. There have been many legal instances that have troubled the law's understanding of green harms, illegal and legal activity, and pushing legal boundaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 415 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited collection delves into the intricate relationship between law and society, exploring the extent to which legal systems reflect, refract, or sublimate the social, political, and ecological conditions of our times. Since its inception in the 1990s, green criminology has directed the criminological lens toward a wide range of harms and crimes that impact humans, animals other than humans, ecological systems, and the planet as a whole. As a dynamic and rapidly evolving field of criminological inquiry, green criminology recognizes and examines behaviors that are both illegal and legal, yet detrimental, and has made significant efforts to provide insights into these harms in a more comprehensive manner. At the same time, numerous legal instances, both domestic and international, including case law, legislation, regulation, treaties, agreements, and executive directives, have challenged the understanding of green harms, illegal and legal activity, and pushed legal boundaries in the process. Recognizing the inseparable connection between humanity and nature, Green Criminology and the Law showcases a diverse range and depth of high-quality research and scholarship, combining contributions from established scholars willing to explore new topics and recent entrants who are breaking new scholarly ground.

The editors of this collection have assembled a diverse group of scholars from various fields, including criminology, law, environmental studies, and sociology, to contribute their expertise and perspectives to the study of green criminology and the law. The chapters in this collection are organized into three sections:

Section 1: Theoretical Approaches to Green Criminology and the Law

In this section, the editors introduce the theoretical frameworks and perspectives that guide the study of green criminology and the law. They explore the concept of green criminology, its origins, and its development over time. The authors also discuss the challenges and limitations of traditional criminological approaches to understanding environmental harm and crime, and the need for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach.

Section 2: Case Studies and Empirical Research

In this section, the editors present case studies and empirical research that explore the intersection of green criminology and the law. The chapters provide insights into specific environmental crimes, such as wildlife trafficking, pollution, and climate change, and examine the legal responses and mechanisms in place to address these crimes. The authors also discuss the challenges and limitations of existing legal frameworks and propose alternative approaches to address environmental harm and crime.

Section 3: Policy and Practice Implications

In this section, the editors discuss the policy and practice implications of green criminology and the law. They explore the role of law in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and social justice. The authors also discuss the challenges and limitations of implementing green policies and practices, and propose strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Overall, Green Criminology and the Law is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex relationship between law and society in the context of environmental harm and crime. The editors have assembled a diverse collection of chapters that provide insights into the theoretical, empirical, and policy dimensions of green criminology and the law, and offer valuable recommendations for addressing these pressing issues.

In conclusion, this edited collection is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of green criminology and the law. By exploring the complex relationship between law and society, this collection provides valuable insights into the extent to which legal systems reflect, refract, or sublimate the social, political, and ecological conditions of our times. The editors have assembled a diverse group of scholars from various fields to contribute their expertise and perspectives, and the chapters in this collection are organized into three sections that cover theoretical approaches, case studies, and policy and practice implications. This collection is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex relationship between law and society in the context of environmental harm and crime, and offers valuable recommendations for addressing these pressing issues.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030824143
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022