https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/38791 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:05:51 GMT 2026-04-26T06:05:51Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29415 Title: A comparative view on the legal implications of labelling and nutrition labelling for foodstuffs Abstract: The focus of this term paper is primarily on the critical analysis of the EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. This Regulation has brought about significant changes in the sphere of labelling and nutrition labelling, particularly by the introduction of mandatory nutrition labelling for pre-packed foods and new requirements for allergen labelling amongst others. Due to the vastness of the Regulation, the paper focuses and scrutinises certain crucial aspects of it and also seeks to draw attention to the Maltese position in respect of such aspects. The Regulation has also brought to light the importance of having honest and truthful labelling and therefore seeks to combat deceptive practices on the part of the food industry. In light of this, the paper goes into the concept of misleading labelling and the legal implications thereof. In order shed light on a broader spectrum, a comparison between US and EU laws is made in order to better understand the benefits and shortcomings of EU law on the subject matter. The findings of this study include recommendations for the purpose of encouraging a more practical approach for the attainment of an advanced level of consumer protection and the smooth functioning of the internal market. Description: LL.B Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29415 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29378 Title: The Animal Welfare Act 2001 revisited after the 2014 amendments : recent and possible future developments in Maltese animal welfare legislation Abstract: This thesis focuses on the debate brought to the fore by the term “animal welfare”. It investigates to what extent animal welfare legislation, as incorporated in the Animal Welfare Act, provides an adequate framework to protect, empower, and enforce the established forms of human-animal interaction. This interaction widely known as the ‘Five Freedoms’ includes the following freedoms: (a) from hunger and thirst; (b) from discomfort; (c) from pain, injury and disease; (d) to express normal behaviour; and (e) from fear and distress. These states offer archetype models which may not always be possible to achieve in their superlative form, but standard versions of the minimal requirements within each category should be satisfied in order to warrant acceptable standards of animal welfare. This study is prompted by an enquiry into whether Maltese Legislation is adequately addressing the needs of animals, after having undergone a process of additional bye-laws between 2014 and 2016, as well as amendments to the principal Act in 2014. How is the Legislative arm of the State (a) ensuring the highest level of animal welfare protection and (b) implementing the plans of its Executive in response to the aspirations of the public? This analytical approach will try to identify gaps which are in existence despite the Maltese legal instruments in place. In order to address these lacunae, recommendations will be put forward based on the research conducted. Description: LL.D. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29378 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29213 Title: The significance of maritime spatial planning for the management of marine space with particular reference to Maltese marine waters Abstract: The marine environment provides a foundation for all life. It serves a multitude of purposes ranging from environmental ones to others of a socio-economic nature. The adoption of a sector by sector approach to the regulation of the multifarious maritime activities has thwarted states’ efforts to protect and manage sustainably the marine environment. Against this context, Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as an ecosystem-based tool which seeks to enhance the decision-making process by providing a framework which arbitrates between competing human activities while simultaneously striving to achieve the sustainable use of marine resources. As an island state, Malta is an intrinsically maritime nation. A plethora of maritime activities, which happen to converge on limited accessible coastline, take place within the islands’ disproportionately extensive marine waters. The intensification and diversification of these activities has aggravated the race for space, inevitably leading to the creation of more conflicts. On this basis, and given that the islands’ surrounding waters hold great potential, effective implementation of MSP is paramount in order to ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. As a result, throughout this study, the author sets himself to analyse the MSP-related policy and legislative frameworks applicable to Malta in order to be able to assess whether an integrated, cross-sectoral approach is being effectively implemented. Following a meticulous analysis of the current state of Maltese marine waters as well as the above stated policy and legislative landscape, the author, taking note of Malta’s unique maritime reality, puts forward a set of proposals which are intended to facilitate the adoption of a holistic approach for the management of the islands’ marine space. Description: LL.D. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29213 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29134 Title: Organised crime in relation to wildlife : a local and international perspective Abstract: Crimes against the environment are considered to be voiceless crimes. The main focus of this research is to analyse transnational organised wildlife crime. This area of research has been studied by various scholars throughout various States but there seems to be very little material locally. Addressing a conference on environment crime in Malta under the auspicious of the EU Maltese Presidency earlier on this year, Home Affairs and National Security Minister Carmelo Abela reaffirmed that environmental crime was one of the most profitable off shoots of organised crime that has serious repercussions on human health, biodiversity, climate change and the economy. During the same conference, Roel Willekens, chair of Envicrimenet, which brings together specialised enforcement officers from among the European Union, held that 15 out of 34 European Union countries surveyed by INTERPOL in 2016 believed that environmental crime is linked to corruption. The main aim of the research is to get data on the subject, disseminate accurate information about the issue and create awareness on the legal tools available and needed to address the phenomenon. Throughout the study, the research will engage with local professionals in the field such as the police, customs and environment officials so that a holistic approach will be analysed and comprehensive ideas are shared as a solution. The data obtained from semi- structured interview with interested Parties will be evaluated against the legal background presently in force both at a local and international level. Description: LL.D. Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/29134 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z