Environmental Prosecution

This two credit fall class provides practical lessons in prosecuting environmental crimes. The seminar is taught by two of the top environmental prosecutors in the state on both the federal and state level— an Assistant US Attorney and an Assistant Attorney General, with a focus on actual cases prosecuted in Oregon. The students will fully evaluate cases including initial investigation decisions, evidence gathering options, witness interviews, applicable criminal statutes, defense negotiations, grand jury, pre-trial issues, trial and sentencing. The seminar covers prosecutions under federal and state environmental laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This seminar provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into criminal enforcement of environmental laws from experienced practitioners and to develop skills in real-world cases. Students will be graded on a series of short assignments throughout the semester including prosecution memos, class presentations (investigation strategy), and class participation. 

No prerequisites; all students welcome.

Students are also encouraged to take Environmental Enforcement in the spring for focus on civil remedies. Each class is also excellent on its own for a study of remedies in environmental cases.