The voice of disapproval: the expressive function and paradox of the EU Seal Regime. Issue 2 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sellheim, Nikolas P.
• Is Part Of: Polar journal. Volume 6:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: EU Seal Regime -- European Union law -- law's expressive character -- animal welfare -- legal purpose; Polar regions -- Periodicals; Polar regions -- Research -- Periodicals; Antarctica -- Periodicals; Antarctica -- Research -- Periodicals; 998
• DOI: 10.1080/2154896X.2016.1241487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2154-896X

Abstract

Abstract: This article analyses the EU Seal Regime, which has effectively shut down the EU's internal market for seal products. While seemingly corresponding to the Community's overall animal welfare policies, it is argued that instead of following the moral narratives applied in animal welfare legislation, the Regime is instead to be considered a statement of disapproval rather than rooted in moral claims. Applying the focal point theory of expressive law, the article shows that cooperative as well as coordinative actions have taken place between EU policy-makers and anti-sealing NGOs to frame a regime that serves as the Community's voice of disapproval of the seal hunt. While feeding on available knowledge on the genesis of the Seal Regime, this article contributes to the discourse on the Regime's purpose and its function beyond its tangible effects.