Collaborative Relationships with the Courts: The Prosecutor’s Perspective

Abstract

It is perhaps self-evident that protection of the environment requires the prevention of acts which are likely to adversely affect the environment or cause harm to human health, as well as the proper regulation of operations and activities that may be similarly damaging. A system of regulation, established by statute or similar legislative provisions, containing the necessary requirements and prohibitions must, however, be upheld and enforced to be effective. This will necessitate concrete action by a regulating authority. This concept is enshrined within the European Union by the requirement for an independent competent authority to undertake the regulation of activities and management of risk so as to keep people safe from the most potentially harmful activities.

Anne Brosnan, Deputy Director of Legal Services (Chief Prosecutor) EA, England, and Paul Taylor Head of Serious Casework EA, England. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the EA or any other government body.