ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to build on the first four through an analysis of the question whether and to what extent law is an appropriate vehicle for the implementation and enforcement of environmental policy across the member states of the European Community. Chapter Three referred to the question whether any law for present purposes can be regarded as 'effective' and 'credible': two important variables in determining whether law might be used as the vehicle for implementation and enforcement. Of course the process of policy-formation will often be affected by political complications and compromises such that there is always the possibility of what may be described as an irrational decision to use the law, despite doubts about its efficiency and credibility.
