Amicus Curiae: a Tool to Advance the Recognition of Nature as a Subject of Rights
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In recent decades, the recognition of Nature as a subject of rights has gained momentum, especially in Latin America. Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, and other countries have made significant progress in granting legal personality to ecosystems, rivers, and mountains, defending their existence and well-being as if they were entities with their own rights. One of the most powerful tools that has contributed to this progress is the amicus curiae, or ‘friend of the court’, which allows third parties to intervene in judicial proceedings by providing arguments, information, and perspectives that can influence judicial decisions. This paper will explore how amicus curiae has been fundamental to the recognition of Nature as a subject of rights in Latin America, both in epistemic, judicial, and legislative terms, and how they have helped build the legal frameworks that support the idea that Nature has intrinsic values.
Source: Studia Iuridica
Authors: Claudia Brindis, Gustavo Hernandez
Language: English
Topic: Environmental law and policy
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7167924339