Editor's Foreword

The Global Journal of Animal Law (GJAL) publishes articles on all aspects of animal law. The works published analyses the law from a theoretical and practical point of view mainly on the basis of jurisprudence. As animal law is still an emerging area of law the journal is also discretionarily accepting non-peer reviewed articles. All articles, summaries and notes are designed to have the widest appeal to those interested in animal law whether as students, teachers, judges, administrators or practitioners.In the current issue Søren Stig Andersen analyzes in the peer reviewed article Proximity: A Levinasian Approach to Justice for Animals the ethical-legal status of animals on the basis of Levinasian ethics. He is also discussing how a new theoretical approach may influence the direction and content of future research areas concerning legal protection of animals. Andersen is focusing on the processes relating to the administration of legal protection of animals.In the peer reviewed article Australia's Need for An Independent Office of Animal Welfare, Aimee Mundtargues that regulatory capture exists in Australia's farm animal welfare regulatory framework and that it is present due to conflicts of interest in the responsible regulatory departments. Mundt's analysis supports for the contention that regulatory capture exists, and shows the dire state of farm animal protection, together suggesting a need for reform.The current issue contains also two non-peer reviewed articles: The Legal Status of Animals in the French Civil Code - The recognition by the French Civil Code that animals are living and sentient beings: symbolic move, evolution or revolution? by Jean-Marc Neumann and The Swedish Administrative and Legislative Frame for Animal Welfare and Official Animal Welfare Control - Impacted by Private Quality Systems written by Anne Zedén Yverås.GJAL's goal is to provide an opportunity for those interested of animal law to keep abreast of new ideas and the progress of the area. Therefore contributors are encouraged to submit analyses of judicial decisions, new legislation and current law reform proposals. The journal is also appreciating book reviews.The next issue of GJAL will be published in December 2015 and the dead-line for submissions is 31 October 2015.Anna Birgitta WahlbergEditor-In-Chie