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Abstract
The Land and Environment Court of New South Wales was established in 1979 as a superior court of record with exclusive jurisdiction in environmental matters. It is a specialist court and deals with both civil and criminal cases. It may make declarations and injunctions and impose criminal sanctions. It is unique in Australia and comparisons are made with courts and tribunals in other states of Australia. This article considers the effect of the court since its inception in developing environmental jurisprudence in Australia. Examples are given in key areas of environmental prosecution; public participation in environmental protection and decisions-making; transboundary pollution; and ecologically sustainable development principles.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]