Furthermore, there is a precedent for the use of such statements in the sphere of environmental crime, with many jurisdictions accepting them in court to detail the harms associated with pollution offences.4 Such an approach would not only act as a deterrent against offending but would also address the interests of the species subjected to the illegal trade and repair the damage to the ecosystems. [...] This concept of species and ecological justice, in the realm of wildlife crime, expands the notion of harm to give value to the capacity of the individual animal, species and ecosystem to suffer as victims of illegal trade. [...] As the presiding magistrates had limited knowledge of both the species concerned and the relevant legislation, these expert statements aimed to inform the court of the severity of the crimes, their wider implications, the applicable legislation and sentencing precedents. [...] The first three provide details of the species, the illegal trade and the relevant legislation, while the last three examine the impact of the trade from both an ecocentric and an anthropocentric perspective. [...] excessive poverty, and is the impact of these factors considered? 4 Is the ministry of justice able to give guidance to the judiciary to use the tool, and is the judiciary willing to do so? 5 If the ministry of justice is unable to give guidance to the judiciary, have certain courts been identified that deal with higher levels of wildlife crime where the statements could be used? 6 Has considerati.
- Pages
- 27
- Published in
- Switzerland
