LEG2601
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 13 April 2026
, LEG2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 DUE 13 APRIL 2026
Question
Critically evaluate how the environmental legal framework relates to morals and
societal values. In your answer, explain how environmental law differs from other
social norms (such as cultural practices and ethical behaviour) and how the
environmental legal framework, as opposed to social norms, gives effect to the
environmental right contained in South Africa’s Constitution.
Answer
1. Relationship between the environmental legal framework, morals, and societal values
Question focus: How environmental law reflects and shapes moral beliefs and societal
values.
The environmental legal framework in South Africa is closely connected to societal
values and moral beliefs about how humans should relate to nature. Morals and societal
values influence what society considers acceptable behaviour, such as protecting
natural resources, preventing pollution, and ensuring fairness between present and
future generations (Kidd, 2011).
Environmental law reflects shared societal values like respect for life, sustainability, and
responsibility. For example, society generally views pollution and environmental
degradation as morally wrong because they harm human health, ecosystems, and
future generations. These moral views are transformed into legal duties through
legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998
(NEMA), which promotes sustainable development and environmental protection
(NEMA, s 2).
However, the relationship is not one-directional. Environmental law does not only reflect
existing values but also shapes them. By criminalising harmful environmental conduct
Assignment 1
Semester 1
Due 13 April 2026
, LEG2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 DUE 13 APRIL 2026
Question
Critically evaluate how the environmental legal framework relates to morals and
societal values. In your answer, explain how environmental law differs from other
social norms (such as cultural practices and ethical behaviour) and how the
environmental legal framework, as opposed to social norms, gives effect to the
environmental right contained in South Africa’s Constitution.
Answer
1. Relationship between the environmental legal framework, morals, and societal values
Question focus: How environmental law reflects and shapes moral beliefs and societal
values.
The environmental legal framework in South Africa is closely connected to societal
values and moral beliefs about how humans should relate to nature. Morals and societal
values influence what society considers acceptable behaviour, such as protecting
natural resources, preventing pollution, and ensuring fairness between present and
future generations (Kidd, 2011).
Environmental law reflects shared societal values like respect for life, sustainability, and
responsibility. For example, society generally views pollution and environmental
degradation as morally wrong because they harm human health, ecosystems, and
future generations. These moral views are transformed into legal duties through
legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998
(NEMA), which promotes sustainable development and environmental protection
(NEMA, s 2).
However, the relationship is not one-directional. Environmental law does not only reflect
existing values but also shapes them. By criminalising harmful environmental conduct
