Earth Law Center Signature Course—On-Demand Edition

Intro to Earth Law. Welcome to the world of Earth law! In our first class we will explore the question, “What is Earth law?” We'll start with the history and philosophy of Earth Jurisprudence, then dive into a few case studies demonstrating its application.

Environmental Law. Class 2 examines traditional environmental law, and discusses how human environmental rights law serves as a bridge to the Rights of Nature movement, and how a "co-violations" framing—highlighting simultaneous violations of human and Nature's rights—can advance this paradigm shift. 

Constitutional Law. Class 3 explores how Rights of Nature are best secured through constitutional amendments, as seen in Ecuador. Even where not explicitly recognized, courts are beginning to interpret existing human-centered constitutional rights—like biocultural and intergenerational rights—as inherently linked to Nature’s rights.

Indigenous Earth Law. Session 4 explores Indigenous legal frameworks rooted in the inherent relationships, rights, and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples. We will examine how these frameworks are expressed through the Rights of Nature movement as well as other legal movements rooted in kinship, responsibility and reciprocity.

Animal Law. Class 5 explores the evolution from traditional animal law to a transformative animal rights paradigm. We’ll discuss what it means for an animal to be recognized as a "person" under the law. Through global examples—from India’s recognition of animal rights to Ecuador’s Rights of Nature—we’ll explore how legal systems are expanding to include the nonhuman world.

Corporate Law. What does it mean for corporations to be reimagined as subsets of ecosystems, incorporating the voice, the vote, and the way of Nature into corporate structures? In class 6 we explore how to embed Nature onto corporate boards, the role of bioregional finance facilities and other bioregional entities, and emerging governance models that ground human and ecological wellbeing in place-based, nature-aligned systems.

Family Law. Class 7 offers powerful tools for representing vulnerable and “voiceless” entities—tools that can be adapted to protect Nature. We will explore how guardians ad litem, traditionally used to represent children, can serve as advocates for ecosystems, and how recognizing Nature as a relative, family member, or kin can create new legal theories that move beyond treating the natural world as mere property.

International Law. Session 8 will explore how the Global Biodiversity Framework is starting to embrace Mother Earth-centric actions and how the concept of Rights of Future Generations is gaining traction internationally, highlighting parallels and differences with the Rights of Nature.

Property Law. Defining Nature as property is a core flaw in the legal system and contributor to the environmental crisis, where even environmental laws reinforce this view. In class 9 we will explore innovative solutions like Rights of Nature easements and trusts, and even incorporating reciprocity into zoning rules, redefining our relationship with Nature. What if we made property law ecocentric, transforming it into a tool for planetary regeneration?

Criminal Law. In our final class we explore the ecocide movement that seeks to criminalize severe environmental destruction, making it an international crime alongside genocide and war crimes. Alongside a growing number of governments, even many businesses are supporting it because it creates clear accountability standards, leveling the playing field and rewarding those who prioritize sustainability.