Patricia Thomas – författare

Originally published in 1985, this book investigates, through real cases, whether independently funded research which was intended to solve social problems has had the desired effect. It also inquires whether civil servants believe that research has a part to play in the formulation of policy. The researcher’s time scale is long and the policy maker’s is short. Does this conflict always mean that the results of research are produced long after policy has been decided and implemented? The book also examines the funders of social research who make up the third party in the uneasy relationship between social scientists and policy makers. This important study goes to the very heart of the debate about social research.

Originally published in 1985, this book investigates, through real cases, whether independently funded research which was intended to solve social problems has had the desired effect. It also inquires whether civil servants believe that research has a part to play in the formulation of policy. The researcher’s time scale is long and the policy maker’s is short. Does this conflict always mean that the results of research are produced long after policy has been decided and implemented? The book also examines the funders of social research who make up the third party in the uneasy relationship between social scientists and policy makers. This important study goes to the very heart of the debate about social research.

There is little dispute that over the last ten years far greater recognition has been accorded to global responsibility for the environment, and as a consequence a wider acceptance in the developed world of the US model of strict liability in respect of environmental harm. This volume presents the widespread and informed debate on the subject undertaken by the Environmental Law Committee of the IBA''s Section on Business Law. The philosophical and economic concept of sustainable development is addressed, as is the response required from financial and political institutions. The role of international agencies is examined. Regional perspectives on such liability are given (Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australasia) and insurance, indemnities, non-fault liability and environmental impact assessment are evaluated as means of securing responsibility. The effectiveness of enforcement -- an area of potentially far-reaching legislation across a range of jurisdictions -- is closely examined and clear developments and trends are identified. The implications of liability continue to involve corporate and banking lawyers and insurance litigators, surely placing upon the environmental lawyer an educative and pivotal place in the promotion of sustainable development and growth. The volume reproduces the edited and revised papers of the Committee''s Seventh Residential Seminar, held in Montreux, June 1990, and faithfully reflects the wide range of expertise brought to bear on the subject.