ELI's judicial education programs in India have addressed environmental law in the context of a rapidly growing population. India has been a leader in the constitutional aspects of environmental law. But that leadership paradoxically led many district judges to assume that, since they had no jurisdiction in constitutional issues, environmental law was not relevant to them.
ELI's early work in Europe helped lay the foundation for what has now been two decades of successful, collaborative judicial education.
The role of the judiciary is pivotal to accomplishing the Environmental Law Institute's goal of making the law work for people, places, and the environment. Development of environmental laws and government institutions is a first step. But laws must be enforced, and citizens must have access to judicial remedies to make sure the laws are effective in protecting the environment and advancing sustainable development. Lack of capacity to implement laws on the books continues to be a major weakness of environmental programs worldwide.
Since 1990, ELI has provided training and resources to more than 3,000 judges across 28 countries. We understand that different regions have unique judicial considerations. That's why ELI works closely with the judiciary and local partners to design programs that are appropriate for each context. Our courses incorporate the latest advances in legal, scientific, public health, and economic thought, as well as interactive analysis by participants and faculty.
Judges play an essential role in democracy and rule of law on environmental and related justice matters. Since 1990, ELI has provided training and resources on environmental law to more than 3000 judges across 28 countries.
Sandra Nichols Thiam
Associate Vice President, Research & Policy; Director, Judicial Education Program
thiam@eli.org
ELI’s general contact information is:
Environmental Law Institute
1730 M Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 939-3800
Fax: (202) 939-3868
