‘Land is much more than the sods of earth that comprise it…socially land gives us somewhere to live, somewhere to build a family, somewhere to be active citizens- it provides the blank canvas against which we shape our lives and our businesses’.
Bevan, Chris (2022) Land Law (3rd edn), Oxford University Press, p. 2
Using your own independent research and drawing upon relevant information from the module materials, critically discuss the statement above. The statement is broad enough for you to bring in a number of topics or themes. However, in a 10-minute presentation, you should aim to concentrate on one core subject matter and not seek to introduce too many different ideas and lose focus.
Structure of speech as so:
Introduction:
Introduction to the importance of land in society.
Brief overview of the statement by Bevan and its significance.
Thesis statement outlining the core subject matter to be discussed.
Body:
Definition and Function of Land:
Define land in legal terms.
Discuss the various functions of land as mentioned in the statement (providing shelter, building families, facilitating citizenship, etc.).
Explore how land ownership and usage contribute to social stability and economic development.
Property Rights and Ownership:
Discuss the legal framework surrounding land ownership.
Analyze how property rights are established and protected.
Examine the implications of different forms of land ownership (e.g., freehold, leasehold) on individuals and society.
Land Use Regulation and Planning:
Explore the role of government in regulating land use and development.
Discuss the balance between private property rights and the public interest in land use planning.
Evaluate the effectiveness of land use regulations in achieving social and economic objectives.
Social Justice and Land Reform:
Discuss the concept of social justice in relation to land ownership and distribution.
Analyze the impact of historical injustices (e.g., colonialism, land dispossession) on land ownership patterns.
Examine current debates and initiatives aimed at promoting land reform and addressing land inequality.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points discussed in the essay.
Reiterate the importance of land in shaping individual lives and society as a whole.
Emphasize the ongoing relevance of addressing land-related issues to promote social justice and economic development.
