Environmental Justice and the Role of Criminology
January 13, 2008 by Brian Butler , John Morelli | Filed under: Literature Review,The EM Role in Environmental Justice
Zilney, Lisa, McGurrin, Danielle, Zahran, Sammy. “Environmental Justice and the Role of Criminology.” Criminal Justice Review. 31 (2006): 47-62.Much of what is considered environmental injustice can be measured as a crime. Criminology and is not frequently represented in environmental justice literature. The authors begin with a brief definition of environmental justice and summarize the history of environmental justice legislation. In this reading over 400 environmental justice articles are examined to evaluate the contributions from different academic departments and advocate memberships. Common themes of these articles are then identified and analyzed. The repetition of eight particular themes is established and discussed in further detail. Spatial distribution (1) involves the assessment geographical hazards that are recognized as threats on human health. Environmental discrimination (2) is defined as a realization; minorities are in fact subjected to environmental hazards. Methodology and theory (3) represents the argument of who controls environmental research and policy. Social movement (4) essentially pertains to the importance of activism and organizational involvement. Public Health and risk (5) is often disregarded in the face of commitment to capital accumulation. Environmental Law and policy (6) discerns the superior protection of rights of a corporation over the rights of the individual. Globalization (7) is a concept of expansion and the relationship to a growing concern. Philosophies of justice (8) are simply the claims and grievances of injustice. The authors conclude by justifying corporate responsibility in environmental crimes. This analytical review ultimately establishes the need for a relationship between criminologists and their role in advocating the equality of environmental policy. The article justly presents an idea of incorporating the support of scholars from the criminology field; this is necessary when considering justice for every individual regardless of race and social status. Criminologists should continue to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of corporate environmental crimes and begin to recognize the need for change.