LAW7035

Law, the environment and the policy process ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: T.B.A.

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: Environmental issues influencing public policies in housing, transportation, and economic development. Environmental concerns challenging the mainstream political process. The green movement challenges the party-political process, institutions of policy making and legal adjudication. What is the relationship between the actions and political strategies of the green movement in relation to the formal channels of democracy? and what role does (or could) the legal process play in environmental disputes given the political interests of the green movement?

Objectives: On completion of this subject students should (1) understand the interrelationship of the formulation of environmental policy by the courts, the political party process, green movements; (2) have acquired a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of workings of the Commonwealth, Victorian and American environmental legislation; (3) have extended their basic understanding and knowledge of the principles and rules relating to the formulation of policy in the environmental law area; (4) be able to critically analyse from a variety of theoretical perspectives the way in which the courts, politicians, non-government organisations and the community have an input into the formulation of environmental policies; (5) demonstrate a capacity to conduct systematic research on some specific topic of the interaction of the law, the environment and the policy process; and (6) have an appreciation of contemporary issues of relevance in this area of law.

Assessment: Research Assignment (3750 words): 50% + Take home examination (3750 words): 50%

Contact Hours: One 2-hour seminar per week