How do different legal cultures address environmental problems? Is environmental quality a human right? Are market-orientated approaches the future of environmental law? Should human health or environmental health constitute the priority of law and policy? How can the pursuit of environmental justice inform environmental law and policy? By introducing you to examples and case studies from different jurisdictions and historical periods, this module develops your ability to understand and critically evaluate environmental measures and policies in varied social, political, and economic contexts. Each week we will explore a legal response to a particular environmental problem. You will gain knowledge of the key principles, norms, and regulatory approaches that underpin efforts to address environmental problems around the world. You will also develop the ability to critically reflect on the very idea of nature and on broader debates regarding precaution, prevention, adaptation that underpin environmental law.
Lectures 16 hours, Seminars 16 hours
Presentation, Assessment Details: Group presentation (10 minutes plus slides ) worth 30% of the total marks for the module.
Extended Writing, Assessment Details: Essay (2,500 words) worth 70% of the total marks for the module.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument 100% written assessment (2,500 words)
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Identify and explain the key principles and major regulatory techniques that underpin legal and policy responses to environmental problems;
2) Critically apply, analyse, and evaluate these principles and techniques within and across various jurisdictions and cultural contexts;
3) Critically explain and analyse the idea of nature and the historical and political context of the emergence of environmental degradation as a legal issue;
4) Critically evaluate and analyse institutions, measures, and initiatives in the field of environmental law;
5) Communicate a well-reasoned and critical opinion to a specialist audience.
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