LAWS5010

Environmental Law

Faculty of Business and Law Newcastle Law School

10 Units 5000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004

LAWS courses are only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Laws (LAWS) degree programs.

This course examines key pieces of New South Wales Legislation, Commonwealth legislation and common law principles relating to degradation, protection and use of the natural environment. The course also examines the role of international law in responding to international environmental degredation and its influence upon domestic law and policy.

Objectives

The objectives of this course are to promote knowledge of key pieces of domestic legislation, common law and international law relevant to degradation, protection and use of the natural environment and to encourage critical approaches to current issues in environmental law and policy.

Content

The following topics will be covered in this course:
1 Australian government regulation of the environment
2 Common law and property rights in environmental regulation
3 Environmental assessment and approval in NSW
4 Environmental assessment and approval by the Commonwealth
5 Pollution regulation
6 Sustainable development in Environmental Law and Policy
7 Ozone depletion
8 Climate change
9 Biodiversity loss
10 Environmental justice

Replacing Course(s)

Transition

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

LAWS1001A, LAWS1001B, LAWS1002A, LAWS1002B, LAWS2003A, LAWS2003B, LAWS3004A, LAWS3004B, LAWS3005, LAWS4002

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Seminar

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal
Group/tutorial participation and contribution	he assessment criteria for the participation mark are: i. Regular attendance - if you have a legitimate reason to be excused from class, you should contact the course coordinator with an explanation of your absence, so that your name can be noted on the roll. Valid excuses are the same as those available under the adverse circumstances procedure and evidence may be requested by the coordinator. Students may miss one class without explanation and not be penalised. Further unexplained absences will result in a reduction in the participation mark. ii. Evidence of preparation for class - there will be questions set for each seminar class and students will be required to prepare for to these prior to class, with reference to the set readings for each week. iii. Participation in class discussions, including: - Quality and relevance of questions, comments and debate - Quality of answers to seminar questions - Constructive responses to comments made by other class members - Contribution to discussions within the discussion board section of Blackboard. iv. Respect for all other class members - this includes not dominating discussion and ensuring that all comments are polite and constructive.

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components