The urgency of establishing paralegals at the regional level as a preventive legal instrument for environmental protection
Keywords:
Paralegal, Environmental justice, Community empowermentAbstract
Social welfare and ecological balance must be harmonized. One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is the lack of public legal awareness and limited access to legal aid. In this regard, the establishment of regional-level paralegals is crucial as a strategic effort to prevent and mitigate environmental damage through community-based legal empowerment. This study aims to examine the urgency of establishing regional paralegals as a preventive legal instrument. Using a normative approach, this research analyzes the relevant legal frameworks. The primary normative references are the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights No. 3 of 2021 and Law No. 32 of 2009. The study also investigates the role of Legal Aid Institutes in developing paralegals in areas vulnerable to environmental degradation. Previous research indicates weaknesses related to low community awareness concerning environmental damage. The findings demonstrate that paralegals play a strategic role as intermediaries between the community, the government, and law enforcement in achieving environmental justice. They function not only as legal educators but also as facilitators in environmental mediation and as legal information gatherers at the grassroots level. The presence of paralegals will encourage preventive actions against environmental damage. Equipped with adequate legal knowledge, advocacy skills, and ethical guidance, paralegals serve as agents of social change who strengthen environmental law enforcement. In conclusion, this study highlights that the establishment of regional paralegals is an urgent necessity to enhance environmental protection and improve legal literacy.
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