Legal Communication in Environmental Policy Advocacy                                               

Kagaba Amina G.

Faculty of Business, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the critical role of legal communication in environmental policy advocacy, examining its function as a conduit between legal discourse, public awareness, and policymaking. Legal communication transcends courtroom dialogues, encompassing broader societal conversations on environmental governance. As environmental challenges intensify, advocacy organizations increasingly rely on strategic legal communication to influence policy, shape public opinion, and engage stakeholders. The study investigates the frameworks, rhetorical tools, and ethical considerations involved in environmental legal advocacy. It highlights how effective messaging, media engagement, public participation, and the strategic use of litigation can shape environmental outcomes. Case studies, including legal confrontations with U.S. federal agencies, illustrate how legal communication fosters civic engagement and elevates environmental justice. Finally, the paper underscores the pivotal role of non-governmental organizations in framing international and local environmental policies through legally grounded advocacy. By synthesizing these insights, the paper offers a comprehensive overview of how legal communication empowers democratic participation and advances sustainable development goals.

Keywords: Legal communication, environmental law, policy advocacy, public participation, environmental justice, media strategy, legal frameworks, NGOs.

CITE AS: Kagaba Amina G. (2025). Legal Communication in Environmental Policy Advocacy. IAA JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION 11(1):62-68. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJC/2025/1116268