Env & Nat Res Law

Administrative law establishes the legal controls over the operation of government and hence it relates to almost every legal practice, from security regulation to social programs to criminal justice. Indeed, administrative law is essential to justice in a modern society because administrative agencies generate most of the law that actually affects our lives and because administrative agencies adjudicate far more disputes than the traditional judiciary. This course is an introductory examination of the rules and procedures governing agency decision making. It explores (1) how agencies make policy and (2) how businesses, interest groups, and citizens challenge agency policymaking in court. (3 cr.) Close Window

A study of the nature and causes of environmental pollution and of the main legal techniques for its control. The course will consider the common law, the environmental impact assessment process (e.g., the National Environmental Policy Act), and the basic regulatory framework for air,water and solid and hazardous waste control (the Federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), with attention given under each statute to the basic regulatory framework and the main policy issues presented by it. (2 cr.) Close Window

An analysis of the legal principles governing the use and management of land and the fundamental values underlying those principles. While focusing primarily on government regulation of land use, the course also will examine common law rules which affect the way that land is used. Topics that might be considered include judicial control of land use, zoning and the rights of landowners, zoning and the rights of neighbors, land use planning, public regulation of land development, aesthetic regulation, and the preservation of natural and historic resources. (1 cr.) Close Window

The course provides an introduction to federal natural resources law, with an emphasis on living resources. We will examine the theoretical conflicts that underlie various approaches to resource management, as well as the special qualities of natural resource problems that render management efforts difficult. Focusing on the legal treatment of fisheries and marine mammals, wildlife and biodiversity, water resources, forests and preserved public lands, we will probe the complex interplay between environmental, economic, cultural, and political factors in natural resource decision making. Note: this class does not meet every year. (2 cr.) Close Window

Environmental Policy This course is offered by the Public Policy Program and offers limited enrollment to law students. Law students must receive professor permission to enroll. The course will explore policy making for environmental problems and will focus on issues that are local, national, and international. We will primarily focus on national environmental policy, and how that policy is implemented at a local and regional level. Issues we will explore will include water pollution policy and land-use in the Bay, U.S. Marine Mammal Policy, and U. S. Pollution Policy. For each of these issues, we will examine the U.S. laws and regulations as well as each agency's approach for quantitatively assessing the benefits and costs of environmental policy. (3 cr.) Close Window

Fundamentals of Environmental Science for Policy This course is intended primarily for students in Law, Public Policy and related disciplines. It is cross-listed with PUBP 600. It is designed to introduce the students to the science of natural systems and ecological processes. Through readings, lectures and discussion, the first half of the course examines the current state of our understanding in terms that will give the student confidence and the facility to critically assess theories and observations in environmental science. With this as a foundation, the second half of the course begins with an instructor led discussion of the enhanced greenhouse effect followed by student led discussions of other major case examples such as coastal eutrophication, biodiversity loss, water resources, sea level rise, environmental contamination, land use trends, and invasive species impacts. Student expectations include mid-term and final exams, and the development of a case study presentation extending over two class periods. This is a non-law course crosslisted with Law and the course materials will be found in Blackboard. (3 cr.) Close Window

This course examines the scope and nature of local government powers and their relationship to state and federal governmental authority. Particular emphasis is placed upon matters of concern to cities, counties and other units of local government. Special consideration will be given to questions of governmental design, political theory, and intra- and inter-governmental sharing of power. Specific topics may include: theories of authority, boundary changes, personnel, public contracts, government tort liability and immunity, municipal finance, land planning and development management. Course readings will include both legal materials and excerpts from the fields of public administration, economics, municipal finance and city planning. (2 cr.) Close Window

Property Rights Seminar This course will examine the constitutional protection afforded property and economic rights throughout American history. Among other topics, the course will cover colonial attitudes toward property ownership, the role of property rights in framing the Consitution, the early use of eminent domain, the growth of the contract clause, the impact of the Civil War, the evolution and application of due process, utility rate regulation, early land use controls, and changing interpretations of the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. It will conclude with a look at the status of property rights in modern American society. Students will be expected to attend the Property Rights Conference on Friday, October 18, 2013. Grading in this course will be based on class participation and the preparation of a 10-page paper. The paper must be submitted no later than three weeks after the conclusion of the course. (1 cr.) Close Window

This seminar will consider various topics regarding environmental law. The nature of the topics will change from term to term. (1 cr.) Close Window