Law

Foundations of Environmental Law

Module code: M5102
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

Can law protect the environment and promote sustainability?

This module introduces you to the role of law in decision-making processes affecting our environment and the challenge of living sustainably.

You will look at what makes environmental problems distinctive and what the role of the law in addressing these problems might be. You will gain an understanding of:

• the role of law at national, EU and international levels
• how the law has developed
• some of the key principles of environmental and sustainability law
• the role of environmental regulatory bodies and the courts.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an appreciation of environmental problems and the relationship between environmental law and the policy objectives that it seeks to implement and develop the capacity to evaluate legal instruments in relation to underlying policy goals
• Critically evaluate different forms of law used in relation to the environment
• Identify and critically evaluate the principal law-making and dispute resolution bodies and agencies in environmental law (nationally and internationally), and their respective roles, legal powers and duties