1 Environmental Rights Jurisprudence in Tanzania: A Review of Judicial Precedents H. I. Majamba * Introduction This paper analyses the development of case law (judicial precedents) on environmental law with a specific focus on environmental rights in Tanzania. 1 It seeks to ascertain the philosophy (jurisprudence) behind the rulings of authoritative courts in Tanzania. The analysis has been confined to case law from authoritative courts on Mainland Tanzania, the High Court and Court of Appeal, whose decisions become binding on lower courts in the judicial hierarchy in accordance with the common law doctrine of precedent. 2 The paper traces the development of environmental rights jurisprudence in the Tanzanian judiciary to developments of principles of environmental protection that have been established by the international community through international and regional human rights instruments and consequently entrenched into the provisions of Constitutions and environmental protection legislation of States. The paper' s main thesis is that the philosophy behind precedents on environmental legislation in Tanzania has to some extent been influenced by the link between human rights and environmental rights that are constantly evolving at the international level. The paper also argues that the judiciary has not taken up opportunities that arise to develop the jurisprudence of * LL. B (Hons) (Dar); LL.M (Queen's); Ph.D. (Northeastern), Lecturer in Law, University of Dar-es- Salaam (A different version of this paper was presented by the author at a Judicial Symposium on Environmental Law and Policy at Arusha, Tanzania in June 2003). 1 The term environmental law in this context refers to the body of laws that provide for the management, conservation and protection of living organisms and the atmosphere that supports their continued existence. 2 According to the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, environment is not a Union matter. Zanzibar has a comprehensive environmental law - The Environment and Sustainable Development Act No. 2 of 1996