The Seven Degrees of Relevance: Why Should Real-World Environmental Attorneys Care <Em>Now</Em> About Sustainable Development Policy?

Ruhl, J. B.

Abstract

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The Seven Degrees of Relevance: Why Should Real-World Environmental Attorneys Care Now About Sustainable Development Policy?

J. B. Ruhl

Vanderbilt University - Law School

March 5, 2009

Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum, Vol. 8, 1997-1998
FSU College of Law, Public Law Research

Abstract:
This article explores the evolution of the concept of "sustainable development" through what I suggest are the "seven degrees" of relevance of legal conceptualizations: (1) translation of concept into norm; (2) uncontestability of the norm; (3) intolerance of violation of the norm; (4) demand for fulfillment of the norm; (5) translation of the norm as policy goal; (6) policy consequences based on the norm; (7) translation into hard law to apply. I suggest that, at the time of the writing (1998), sustainable development was stuck on level five.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 22

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Date posted: March 6, 2009

Suggested Citation

Ruhl, J. B., The Seven Degrees of Relevance: Why Should Real-World Environmental Attorneys Care Now About Sustainable Development Policy? (March 5, 2009). Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum, Vol. 8, 1997-1998; FSU College of Law, Public Law Research. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1354181

Contact Information

J. B. Ruhl (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States