Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy unit (LAW195)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit explores some of Australia’s most challenging environmental controversies, and the legal and policy context in which they arise. It uses a range of topical issues and case studies to introduce students to the framework for national and international environmental regulation, encouraging them to see how laws operate and apply in specific situations. Through these case studies, students will appreciate common themes and challenges in environmental governance, including: • failures of enforcement and implementation • problems of overlapping and overly complex regulation across local, state and national laws; • challenges for implementing the principles of ecologically sustainable development through law; • the role of international law in influencing domestic environmental law; • the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making; and • the role of markets, media, human rights and environmental ethics in environmental protection.

Summary

Unit name	Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy
Unit code	LAW195
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Law
Discipline	Law
Coordinator	Professor Jan McDonald
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	24/02/2025	25/03/2025	14/04/2025	01/06/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain of the sources and principles of environmental law as they apply to the case studies and issues discussed in the unit.
• Critically reflect on the range of social, political, ethical, economic and ecological factors that influence environmental law, policy, and decision making.
• Research and evaluate a contemporary environmental problem and applicable legal framework.
• Express yourself effectively orally and in writing, using a range of media.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050999	$1,164.00	$1,164.00	not applicable	$3,221.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

LAW639

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 hour interactive lecture (weekly) + 1 hour interactive seminar (weekly).
Assessment	Assessment Task 3: Contribution to class discussion (10%)|Assessment Task 1: Test (20%)|Assessment Task 2: Presentation and annotated bibliography (30%)|Assessment Task 4: Examination - invigilated (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.