Juliana v. US Youth Plaintiffs
In 1892, the Supreme Court declared that the “Sovereign Lands” of a state are held in trust by the State for all present and future generations, and that such land may not be sold for development incompatible with uses covered by the Public Trust Doctrine.
Juliania v. United States was originally directed at the Obama Administration. The children argued that failing to contend with climate change deprived them of their fundamental right to grow up in a hospitable climate. The case is part of a growing trend to represent future generations in court. Meantime, The case challenges the court system to step up. How many people are actually aware of the public trust doctrine. This is a rhetorical question. The answer is very few. It is the job of the judiciary to educate a diverse public. Maybe these children will lead the way. Read More.