"Writing the History of Our Laws: New Trends, New Methods", by Professor Frédéric Audren

In 2017, the tribes living along the banks of the Whanganui river, the third-largest in New Zealand, finally obtained recognition of their spiritual connection with the river after a long fight. New Zealand’s parliament recognised the river as a living being with a "legal personality" generating rights and obligations. At the same time, India was taking similar action, grating rights to two rivers (including the Ganges). Closer to home, the French National Assembly voted a law in 2015 to improve animal welfare. Pets, tamed animals and/or in captivity, traditionally considered by the legal system as "personal property", are now better protected, having been recognised as "sentient living beings".

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