The Elephant in the Courtroom: An Analysis of the United Kingdom’s Ivory Act 2018, Its Path to Enactment, and Its Potential Impact on the Illegal Trade in Ivory

In 2019, Royal Assent was granted to the United Kingdom’s Ivory Act 2018. The legislation, introduced by Environment Secretary Michael Gove in 2018, welcomed politicians and conservation groups as “an extraordinary achievement” “a landmark our fight protect wildlife environment.” passing through Parliamentary process only seven months, testament cross-party commitment tackling illegal ivory trade. However, its path enactment has not been smooth sailing. Following Assent, subject of judicial review brought a company created group antiques dealers, Friends Antique Cultural Treasures Limited, for purpose challenging Act. While is now considered among strictest trade legislation world, this article considers enactment, likely impact on artifacts Kingdom, whether act can fulfil British government’s aim make it “one toughest bans planet.”