Course Description
Statutory, case law, and regulations concerning resource conservation, allocation, and development. Modern, systems-sensitive regulatory programs affecting natural resources administration analyzed. Examination of the division and nature of the functions of the judicial and executive branches of government.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
PowerPoint presentation or paper addressing a natural resource
issue.
Athena Title
Natural Resources Law
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in JURI 4810E, FANR 4810E, ECOL 4810E or JURI 6810E, FANR 6810E, ECOL 6810E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course provides students with a foundation in natural resources law. The focus will be on: (1) providing an overview of the American judicial system, (2) addressing major state law issues in natural resources law, (3) addressing major federal law issues in natural resources law, (4) identifying and addressing emerging issues and potential areas of litigation and/or legislation in natural resources law.
Topical Outline
The course topics include those listed below. Additional topics may be added if a current event of significance occurs during the semester warranting examination and analysis. Overview of legal system Civil vs. criminal – basic terminology (Parties, controlling substantive law, jurisdiction, venue, cause of action, litigation process). State vs. federal courts – Courts of limited jurisdiction, trial courts, appellate courts. Legal review and analysis – How to think like a lawyer. State law issues. Property law – e.g., easements, eminent domain (transactions related to natural resources). Federal law issues. Pollution related – e.g., Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, CERCLA / Superfund. Protection and Preservation – e.g., NEPA, wetlands, watershed, soil erosion, climate change. Wildlife – ESA, wildlife management areas, “compatible use.” Water management – states vs. federal rights re ownership, pollution, etc. Environmental Ethics – (to be incorporated in above topics and addressed separately as time permits). Appropriate land usage and practices. Economic impact of ESA and other legislation.