As climate-related litigation begins to grow in number, it’s becoming increasingly critical for judges to familiarize themselves with the complex science behind global warming. Arguably, such understanding could guide more effective decision-making in courtrooms. This sentiment was recently echoed by Oregon Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Duncan at a Berkeley Judicial Institute event, highlighting the need for continued education among judges to be prepared for up-and-coming climate change-related cases.
Drawing attention to the imminent surge of these lawsuits, Justice Duncan emphasized, “We know these cases are coming, we know they’re here and that more are coming. What do we need to be aware of? How can we manage these cases?” The key, she suggests, may lie in leveraging available resources to better prepare the judicial community for these unprecedented legal challenges.
For those interested, more details on Justice Duncan’s insightful remarks can be found in this National Law Journal report. As professionals in the legal sector, staying abreast with these ongoing conversations could prove valuable in navigating the emerging landscape of climate-related law.