Center for Earth Jurisprudence

Whether it is concern about mounting climate change, the lack of access to clean water and elimination of forests in Haiti, or ecological and human devastation that occurred in New Orleans and Mississippi due to erosion of wetlands and Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in 2005, we are surrounded by increasing examples of the need for humans to think and act differently for the sake of future generations of all species. This is the primary purpose of the Center for Earth Jurisprudence (CEJ), a collaborative initiative of Barry and St. Thomas Universities. Its primary mission is to re-vision law and governance in ways that support the well-being of the entire Earth community. This involves fostering mutually enhancing relationships among humans and nature as well as recognition of the intrinsic rights of nature.

Physically located at St. Thomas University School of Law, CEJ utilizes a variety of disciplines within both Universities to help define the new field of law called Earth Jurisprudence and promote the transformation of consciousness and cultural change that is needed to support laws and governance that are Earth-centered.

The Center is funded with an initial grant from the Marie V Gendron Estate through the auspices of the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

For more information, go to www.earthjuris.org.

View photos and video of the 2008 Symposium, Framing an Earth Jurisprudence for a Planet in Peril, by clicking here.