LAW5136

International environmental law 506 ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mrs Yet Bryant

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit examines the way in which the international community is tackling existing and future environmental problems - including ozone layer depletion, climate change, destruction of biodiversity, heritage conservation, disposal of hazardous waste. The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil has seen a development of international environmental law and policy. The Australian Government has adopted a high profile in international negotiations on environmental matters. In addition Australia has already felt the effect of international obligations in respect of world heritage sites and climate change.

Objectives: On completion of this subject students should (1) understand the interrelationship between international law and international environmental law and how international environmental law has developed as a separate area of law; (2) have acquired a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of international environmental law, including its historical development, conventions and treaties that have been negotiated to deal specifically with global environmental problems; (3) have extended their basic understanding and knowledge of how the international community has addressed global environmental problems; (4) be able to critically analyse the ways in which global environmental problems are addressed by the international community in particular the adoption of framework conventions and protocols; (5) demonstrate a capacity to conduct systematic research on some specific topic of International Environmental law; and (6) have an appreciation of future issues of relevance to the development of this area of law.

Assessment: Research paper (4000 words): 50% + Take-home examination: 50%

Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures per week

Prerequisites: LAW1100 or LAW1101 and LAW1102

Corequisites: LAW4122