LAW593
International Environmental Law
(Dzah)
Prerequisite courses:
Prerequisite for:
Instructor(s): Professor Godwin Dzah
Course credit: 3
Method of presentation: Lecture/seminar
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Reflection Paper: 10%
In-Class Activities (Presentation, Participation & Proposal): 20%
Final Term (Research) Paper: 70%
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Since the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 (the Stockholm Conference), there has been a steady rise in the sources of international environmental law, and along with that a significant number of treaties complemented by customary international law, and decisions of international adjudicative bodies. These sources present an intricate network of rules, principles, and institutional arrangements in response to the ever-changing field of environmental problems with regional and global dimensions such as environment and human rights, climate change, transboundary pollution, regulation of hazardous chemicals and waste, and sustainable development. This course introduces students to the organizing principles of international environmental law including its foundational rules and complex institutional framework with an emphasis on key actors, opposing interests, and competing ideas. All class discussions will involve doctrinal and critical engagements. We will also incorporate guest lectures, where possible, and student presentations. Students are expected to participate actively in all class discussions.
Students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the history of the discipline; its general principles; compliance and enforcement mechanisms; interaction between international environmental law and domestic law; current debates and critical perspectives within the discipline; and international environmental adjudication by the end of the course.
SPECIAL COMMENTS
Description updated 2023-24. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.
REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY)
TBD: Instructor will provide reading list.