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The Sears Island Saga: Law in Search of Geography

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  • Rutherford H. Platt
  • James M. Kendra

Abstract

Although the influence of law in shaping human use of land and water has long been recognized, the role of geographic factors in the resolution of legal disputes involving such resources is less appreciated. When the outcome of litigation or administrative procedures depends upon accurate understanding of geographic context and uncertainties, and such understanding is flawed, the legal process may become a faltering, costly exercise in futility. Such has been the case with the 20-year battle over the fate of Sears Island, a sizable tract of undeveloped coastal Maine at the head of Penobscot Bay. This controversy has reflected competition between economic and environmental goals in coastal zone management, the issue of local versus nonlocal control of resources, and the uneasy interaction of geography and law in the process of environmental impact assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Suggested Citation

  • Rutherford H. Platt & James M. Kendra, 1998. "The Sears Island Saga: Law in Search of Geography," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(0), pages 46-61, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:recgxx:v:74:y:1998:i:0:p:46-61
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1944-8287.1998.tb00030.x
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