Madison Brown
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Oday Salim
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Environmental Law & Sustainability Clinic / Law
Program: UROP
Session: Session 5 (2:40pm – 3:30pm)
Authors: Terri Conley, Julia Smoot, Zoe Brown, Eva Harden
Abstract
My research involves gathering a wide range of arguments in support of establishing legal personhood for animals and natural resources. The diversity of sources is meant to appeal to all audiences in order to convince others of the need to protect our environment. I met with librarians specializing in legal, philosophical, and environmental literature, I browsed and requested digital files from multiple university libraries across the country, and I used Google Scholar, youtube, and social media sites to find artistic pieces which communicate philosophical thought on and arguments for legal personhood for non-human animals and natural resources. I have created a compendium featuring a variety of sources arguing for the legal personhood of animals and natural resources. My research includes different types of art, from photography to children’s books, and academic texts on the topic of corporate personhood. By relating both the facts of the case and penetrating the emotional values of individuals, these creative pieces prove a persuasive tool for legal pursuits. My research on the similarities and differences between the arguments for and against corporate personhood and personhood for animals and natural resources explores the possibilities of adopting elements of the corporate framework argument supported by American law for the purposes of environmental law.
