PSCI 317(F) Environmental Law (Same as Environmental Studies 317)

An introduction to the basics of law and legal reasoning in the environmental context. The course begins with an examination of the historical common law theories of pollution including nuisance and trespass, then explores a renewed federal environmental "presence" under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and similar procedural statues. The remainder of the course concentrates on a number of the important substantive state and federal environmental laws in effect today (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Superfund, Vermont's Act 250, etc.) and includes a case study of a lawsuit involving the public trust doctrine. Evaluation will be based on a mid term and a take-home final exam; written case briefings required but not graded; two exercises, a midterm and final exam and regular briefing of cases. Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors. Recommended for students interested in law school or advocacy in general.

Hour:  CARTER