Environmental Law unit (LAW242)

Hobart

Introduction

Addressing some of the most important issues for humanity and the future of our planet, this unit is suitable for both law and non-law students. This foundational unit, as a basis for more advanced study in the field, introduces the major environmental problems that the law is expected to address, focusing on environmental law and policy at the Commonwealth level and some reference to Tasmania as an example of State-level responses to environmental issues. The unit’s core themes are: 1) why does environmental law exist (what problems does it respond to and what ideas and philosophies shape that response); 2) who are the key actors in environmental law (e.g. states, corporations and the general public); 3) where does environmental law come from (e.g. common law, public legislation and international law); 4) how is environmental law implemented (e.g., regulation, economic instruments). The unit concludes with case studies (eg climate change and nature conservation) offering more in-depth analysis of the main themes of the syllabus.

Summary

Unit name	Environmental Law
Unit code	LAW242
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Law
Discipline	Law
Coordinator	Professor Benjamin Richardson
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe and explain the architecture of Australian environmental law, including the key sources, goals, actors and tools and the guiding policies, philosophies and principles of environmental law in Australia.
• Critique the principles in light of the difficulties faced by decision-makers in implementing these principles.
• Apply this knowledge of environmental law to different scenarios including climate change and biodiversity conservation.

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	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,382.00

• 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

Prerequisites

50 credit points of Introductory units - to do this unit it is recommended that you have completed LAW107

Mutual Exclusions

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

LAW641

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1x1hr Lecture and 1x2hr workshop, weekly
Assessment	Tutorial participation (weekly) (20%)|Final exam (40%)|Mid-semester test (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	All relevant readings posted in MyLO on weekly content folders
Recommended	As identified in weekly topics in MyLO content folder

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