Course overview
The course examines regulatory mechanisms that address environmental problems and focuses particularly upon regulation of development. Included are: a general introduction to the law and the legal system; the nature of environmental problems in Australia; constitutional responsibilities and powers with respect to environmental planning and protection; land-use planning and protection systems; environmental impact assessment ; regulation of pollution and waste disposal; and environmental litigation.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain and critically evaluate environmental regulation at a state, Commonwealth and international level
- Identify and critically analyse policies and principles that influence environmental law at an international, Commonwealth and state level, including the principle of ecologically sustainable development
- Develop and articulate legal arguments and apply them to environmental problems individually and in a group context
- Conduct independent research to evaluate legal problem scenarios, analyse normative questions, and complete a sustained legal research project
- Clearly explain environmental issues and evaluate the ideas of others regarding the role of environmental law and potential legal solutions
- Work individually and collaboratively to identify potential environmental law problems in relation to development proposals, and recommend how such issues might be managed