Essentials of Environmental Law

All aspects of environmental, natural and cultural resource management are shaped by the law in some way. The law is used to define how, and by whom decisions that impact upon the environment are made.?Law imposes obligations upon individuals, institutions and governments. It is used to determine who is, or is not accountable for environmental decisions and their consequences. The law can be used to bring the resources of the state to permit or prohibit actions and allow choices whether they benefit or harm the environment. This course offers environmental science, management and policy students an introduction to the workings of the Australian legal system and how the law and relevant institutions are used to affect environmental decision making. While introducing students to key environmental legislation it explores how law is shaped by those with vested interests in the outcome and how law is applied, or ignored, in environmental decision making. You will gain a critical understanding of the law and its role in environmental decision making. The course also explores the role of international environmental law and how it plays a role in domestic environmental decision making. The course will be based around lectures, group discussions of reading, and the review of videos.