Ecocide Mock Trial
Written By:
- Date published:
9:22 am, September 29th, 2011 - 5 comments
Categories: climate change, law, sustainability -
Tags: ecocide, polly higgins
Ecocide Mock Trial @ UK’s Supreme Court in London
The crime of ecocide will be tested, as if it is already law, by barristers before a judge and jury.
The mock trial this Friday on 30 September will last just one day and will stream live onto the internet worldwide from the UK Supreme Court. Legal argument will put as to whether Ecocide and the Earth Right to Life should be applied against Mr X.
Michael Mansfield QC (prosecuting barrister) and Nigel Lickley QC (defence barrister) will lead the case for and against Mr X. Mr X has been charged with a number of ecocides – which one will be tried will be determined on the day – and could be:
– Deforestation of the Amazon
– Arctic drilling
– Fracking for shale gas in Nigeria
– Major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
– Bauxite mining of the Niyamgiri mountain
– Unconventional tar sands extraction in Canada
– Deep sea mining of the Central and Eastern Manus Basin
The trial will examine how the crime of Ecocide protects the Earth Right to Life.
The trial is not pre-scripted. It is ultimately for the jury to determine whether the crime of Ecocide is made out and whether the Earth Right to Life is breached. To watch the trial and for more information, go to:
http://www.thehamiltongroup.org.uk/common/ecocide.asp
* The UK Supreme Court:
The Hamilton Group is using the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in London as the venue. This in no way implies endorsement by the Supreme Court of the opinions raised in the trial or the verdict reached by the trial jury.
** The Hamilton Group: The Hamilton Group (www.thehamiltongroup.org.uk) is a not-for-profit organisation encouraging businesses, organisations and communities to bring responsibility for the world to the forefront of their decision-making.
Contact Simon Hamilton: simon@thehamiltongroup.org.uk +44(0) 7931 382275
*** Polly Higgins:
Polly is the barrister and international environmental lawyer who proposed Ecocide as the law to protect the Earth Right to Life to the United Nations. Her book, Eradicating Ecocide, Laws and Governance to Prevent the Destruction of our Planet, sets out the law of Ecocide. She is campaigning for the Law of Ecocide to be made the 5th Crime Against Peace: www.eradicatingecocide.com, www.pollyhiggins.com
Recently in NZ at the University of Otago and in Wellington, Nelson and Auckland, to talk about her UN proposal, Polly was also interviewed on RadioNZ. http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ntn/ntn-20110905-0925-polly_higgins_-_eradicating_ecocide-048.mp3
And on to Australia, Polly gave many presentations and was interviewed by media about ecocide and her UN proposal:
(a) Melbourne 3CR Community Radio 855AM
Taking Ecocide to the UN: Polly Higgins discusses the legal moves to protect the environment from corporate entities.
7 Sep 2011
http://pod.3cr.org.au/pod/3CRCast-2011-09-07-15556.mp3
(b) Byron Bay NSW BAY FM 99.9
9 Sep 2011
International Environmental Laywer Poly Higgins explains the proposed 5th Crime Against Peace: the crime of Ecocide
http://www.cpod.org.au/download.php/7124.mp3
(c) ABC Rural
UK lawyer proposes new legal framework to protect the environment
12 Sep 2011
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bushtelegraph/stories/2011/3315721.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2011/s3315721.htm
(d) Realfoodnetwork.com.au video streaming
Polly Higgins – voted by the Ecologist as one of the “Worlds Top 10 Visionary Thinkers”
6 Sep 2011
http://www.realfoodnetwork.com.au/apps/videos/videos/view/prev?channel_id=2895930&from_id=14115137
(e) Brisbane ABC 612 with Madonna King
14 Sep 2011
Ecocide: a proposed new law
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2011/09/ecocide-a-new-international-law-proposed.html?site=brisbane&program=612_morning
Coverage and comments previously made about ecocide and Polly Higgins on The Standard include:
* /ecocide/
* /open-mike-04092011/
Remember: You heard it first here on The Standard !
– Jim Nald
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- Warning to Fast-Track Applicants – ‘Exploit the Whenua, Face the Consequences’
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- Release: Govt cuts wages for lowest paid NZers… again
For the second year running, the government has effectively cut wages for the lowest paid workers in New Zealand. ...6 days ago
- Govt’s miserly 1.5% minimum wage will take workers backwards
The Government’s announcement today of a 1.5 per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers, with inflation projected to exceed the increase, meaning it’s a real terms pay reduction for many. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt shirking responsibility for rate hikes
All the Government has achieved from its announcement today is to continue to push responsibility back on councils for its own lack of action to help bring down skyrocketing rates. ...6 days ago
- Luxon’s ‘localism’ strikes again
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- Release: Govt breaks promise on EV chargers
The Government has failed to keep its promise to ‘super charge’ the EV network, delivering just 292 chargers - less than half of the 670 chargers needed to meet its target. ...7 days ago
- Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex
The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report highlighting the multi-national’s disproportionate influence on energy prices in Aotearoa. ...7 days ago
- Govt child poverty targets allow for increase in poverty
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- Release: Four weeks annual leave under threat
The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
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- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
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- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
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- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
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- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
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- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
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- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
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- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
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Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...19 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
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The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
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- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
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- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
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- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
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- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
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It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
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Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
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New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
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Yes. Well the monetary and the economic system are both totally dependent on ecocide (or rather omnicide and eventually suicide for humanity). Without constant expansion of industrial activity -which translates into ever faster conversion of nature into waste- both fall over.
We can therefore predict that, whatever the outcome of this mock trial, nothing will change. Corporations will keep looting and polluting till they can’t. And governments will continue to give them the green light to do so.
The good news is, peak oil WILL demolish the present system over the coming decade.
The bad news is, most societies are totally unprepared for what is on the horizon and remain firmly locked into denial of reality.
Thanks for the heads up Jim. If only it were real…
Polly is right up there with Naomi Klein and Vandana Shiva as a colossus accusing the status quo of the crimes we all commit by tacit acceptance of the same.
Good post Jim. Very full helpful and informative. I have imported copies of her book which remain to be read. So being able to catch more info on the tube is good. Thanks.