Watch the News report from outside of court
A few reflections from the Climate9 trial
Everyday we witness corporations getting away with profits at the expense of people's health and livelihoods across the world; from sweatshop factories to oil spills, the list is long. Take climate change for example, everyday we hear in the news that 'if we don't act now it will be too late'. The world's top climate scientists state that airports cannot expand and coal fired power stations cannot be built if we are ever to meet the CO2 reduction targets necessary to preserve our future.
Today carbon heavy industries can pollute relentlessly with barely a legal challenge and when ordinary citizens challenge this, they are criminalised. If climate change is indeed the main concern of our courts and government, then this logic must be challenged and the question must be asked, 'who are the real criminals?' If we are to stop runaway climate change (and other atrocities) we need to support the people taking the necessary action and expose those working to protect a system which protects profit over the planet.
So many people in history have challenged the legal system for the greater common good. At the time many are seen as wrong and then fifty years down the line as heroines (Mandela, Malcolm X, the Suffragettes and more). I am eternally grateful for all these people and movements commitment t justice against adversity. For inspiration on how ordinary people can challenge the state for environmental and social justice, have a look at a few of these. This workshop is for those wanting to challenge unjust laws and policies and raise the public debate both in and out the courtroom
Here's a few suggestions;
Ten steps to building a trial.
1.Witnesses – Round up a vast mix of witnesses to speak from different angles (which will help build public unexpected alliances of support)
2.Keep track of your lawyers and the legal defence - make sure they are in constant consultation with you
3.Precedents – Find out about similar trials that have gone before and speak to the organisers if possible for advice
4.Generate a defence committee to support the co-defendants on paper and in the media.
5.Public campaign – public campaigns come in all shapes and sizes, it can be big, targeted, modest, spectacular, inspirational, innovative or reusing well-known methods. It is important to enjoy it whatever you do!
6.Organise events – speakers, public meetings, skill share events, workshops about why your pro actively challenging the legal system.
7.Burst the net - Set up blogs/ social networking sites/ website
8.Build support in and around the court- support in and around the courtroom is an important part of the spectacle
9.Press – Use press to build momentum.
10.Remember that the verdict is only one win in fighting for justice; awareness raising and inspiring others to take the necessary action throughout the trial process is a win in itself.
