LAW COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LAW-2160 Environmental Law Seminar Prof. Steven Ferrey, 3 credits day; 3 credits evening.

Students using this course to fulfill the experiential learning requirement may not also use this same course to meet the legal writing requirement.

Examines the legal and policy issues surrounding the rapidly developing areas of environmental law-air and water pollution, energy development/conservation-with a special emphasis on the law of toxic and hazardous waste control. This course refines and applies a combination of skills acquired in the first-year curriculum. Through class discussions and case analysis, the course prepares students to practice as corporate counsel, prosecuting attorneys, public interest attorneys or government counsel in this burgeoning area of the law. Faculty comments : Professor Ferrey: Some Environmental Law courses survey a wide range of environmental topics. Instead, this section of the course is (1) going to treat in detail a sub-set of environmental topics and issues and (2) is going to go up the learning curve quickly, by using the “Examples and Explanations” book to elevate the discussion. Topics planned to be covered are the Clean Air Act, the Superfund, RCRA, NEPA, climate change, the Federal Power Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, plus the environmental application of various Constitutional law principles, standing and ripeness to bring suit. This particular section does not use a Socratic or lecture format, but instead during most weeks will have students address a total of a half dozen real-world environmental problems, to try to apply the material learned to different real-world situations. It qualifies as a “skills” course. Participation is at least 35% of the grade, as is a final paper in lieu of an exam. Students also present their draft paper orally during the last two weeks of the semester. If participating in class discussion on a regular basis is not your preferred learned method, this format is not recommended for you and you might instead choose a different section of this course. Class is limited to no more than 20 students, so that participation and skills development is facilitated. Final grade is determined by in-class participation and a paper.

Enrollment is limited: 20

Elective Course

Meets Base Menu Requirement

Meets Skills Menu Requirement

May Fulfill Legal Writing Requirement

Meets Experiential Learning Requirement

Final Paper Required