Fundamentals of Environmental Law

This course is designed to introduce students who have no legal qualifications to environmental law. In doing so, the course not only provides students with an understanding of general legal principles, methods and institutions but also provides them with a framework for understanding and analysing environmental law. This will enable them to go on and study the specialised courses offered in the environmental law stream.

To understand the key principles of, and actors within, environmental laws.

To appreciate the breadth and common features of Australian and international environmental laws.

To critically analyse environmental laws within various contexts and to evaluate laws against procedural and substantive criteria.

To understand the interplay between politics, policy, science and values in environmental law.

To learn legal research and writing skills.

A series of short reflective assessments (due shortly after the teaching period), and one or two longer essay-type assessments (due within two months after the teaching period). 

Students must rely on the Approved Assessment which will be posted to the course homepage on the ANU Law website, prior to the commencement of the course.

26 Contact Hours (Intensive Delivery)

Students should allocate 20 hours to read and write reflective assessments in the two weeks before the commencement of the course. Extensive research, reflective and writing work will be required after the teaching period. Students should allow at least 80 hours

Click here for the 2010 timetable

Summer 

Lee Godden and Jacqueline Peel, Environmental Law: Scientific, Policy and Regulatory Dimensions (2009).

Melbourne University Law Review Association Inc, Australian Guide to Legal Citation (2^nd ed, 2002).

Winter - TBC

Summer:- Students must have access to the internet and email.

Class and reading materials will be posted on the internet and assessments must be submitted by email.

Winter:- Students must have access to the internet and email.