Reflective Groups: Viable and Necessary Environmental Penal Alternative

Abstract

This article aims to present the evolution of environmental criminal law in the Brazilian legal system, consequently of the Criminal Alternatives, in face of the connection of Human Rights with Environmental Law and the new world perspectives of protection of the environment, through a thorough literature review. According to a philosophical context about environmental problems and the evolution of norms that protect nature, due to the ineffectiveness of environmental penal alternatives, it is possible to understand that a punitive measure of an educational and socially useful character is necessary, since everything that involves man and the environment must be seen according to a metaphysical-ontological construction, since they cannot be separated, due to the fact that it composes nature itself. Thus, it concludes that it is possible to include the Reflective Groups as a more viable criminal alternative to the educational context when committing environmental crimes, whether by individuals or legal entities. Although not included in specific legislation, it is certain that this is the most viable alternative because it provides the person in prison with the opportunity to promote environmental awareness and education.