Warning: The information in this fact sheet may be out of date and should not be relied upon. We are currently in the process of updating all fact sheets.
The information contained in this fact sheet is current as at 23 April 2008
Topic 1 - Introduction to Environmental Law
1.3 Functions of Environmental Law
The key functions of modern environmental law may be described as follows:
to establish regulatory structures for environmental management, including regulatory agencies and specialist courts and tribunals;
to empower regulators to manage environmental impacts using plans, policies, standards, licences and incentives;
to require persons proposing environmentally significant activities to seek permission from regulators;
to enable members of the public to take part in strategic planning and project evaluation;
to require activities of environmental significance to be assessed before permission can be granted;
to provide administrative, civil and criminal sanctions for non-compliance with the law;
to allow the legality of decisions of regulators to be challenged by members of the public; and
to allow the merits of certain decisions of regulators to be challenged by members of the public.
