Courses & Units
Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy LAW639
This unit is being phased out, no new enrolments are being taken.
Introduction
This course explores the legal and policy context in which some of Australia's most challenging environmental controversies arise. It introduces students to the framework for national and international environmental regulation using a range of topical issues and case studies. In 2020, these case studies will include the 2020 bushfires, protecting the Great Barrier Reef, salmon aquaculture expansion and commercial use of national parks.
Together, these case studies highlight common themes and challenges in environmental governance, including:
• operationalising the principles of ecologically sustainable development;
• problems of regulatory fragmentation and divisions of power;
• the increasing internationalisation of domestic environmental law;
• the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making;
• the role of human rights and environmental ethics in environmental law; and
• the role of the market in environmental regulation.
Summary
| Unit name | Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LAW639 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education Faculty of Law |
| Discipline | Law |
| Coordinator | Professor Janet (Jan) McDonald |
| Delivered By | Delivered wholly by the provider |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
* 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 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Critically reflect on the range of social, political, ethical, economic and ecological factors that influence environmental law, policy, and decision-making.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the division of powers over environmental matters between local, state, and Commonwealth governments, and the role of international bodies.
- Critique the value and application of the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in the context of the disputes and case studies discussed in the course.
- Evaluate the appropriate role and mode of public participation in different types of environmental decisions and disputes at differing geo-political scales.
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of human rights, ethics and market mechanisms in environmental law and policy.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
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 UConnect 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
Completion of 150 points of university study (ie 12 x 12.5 point units)Teaching
| Assessment | Examination - take home (40%)|Attendance (30%)|Presentation (30%) |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.