International Environmental Law

NOTE: This course is available as an In-Person Section for in-person students or an Online Section designed for LLM Distance Students. Each section has its own course description. See the note below about eligibility for the Online Section for JDs, MSLs, and residential LLMs. 

NOTE: As a result of the Professor’s travel schedule, this course will meet for 2 hours twice a week to avoid make-up classes.

International Environmental Law - Professor Chris Wold

• Course Number: LAW-534  In-Person Section
• Course Type: Foundational
• Credits: 3
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description: This course examines the principal laws and institutions in the field of international environmental law. The course begins with a review of the fundamental underpinnings of environmental and international law, including the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, state responsibility for environmental harm, and permanent sovereignty over natural resources. The course next examines issues of the global commons, such as ozone depletion, climate change, and depletion of ocean resources. It explores international treaties to protect biological diversity, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. It also examines major pollution issues, such as hazardous waste trade. Throughout these discussions, we examine development issues, the polarization of issues as developed and developing country issues, and the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development and enforcement of international environmental law.
• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Class participation and final exam. The final exam will be scheduled.
• Capstone: no
• WIE: no

 

NOTE: As a result of the Professor’s travel schedule, this course will meet for 2 hours twice a week to avoid make-up classes.

International Environmental Law - Professor Chris Wold

• Course Number: LAW-534   Online LLM & Online MSL Section
• Course Type: Foundational  
• Credits: 3
• Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
• Description: This course examines the principal laws and institutions in the field of international environmental law. The course begins with a review of the fundamental underpinnings of environmental and international law, including the precautionary principle, polluter pays principle, state responsibility for environmental harm, and permanent sovereignty over natural resources. The course next examines issues of the global commons, such as ozone depletion, climate change, and depletion of ocean resources. It explores international treaties to protect biological diversity, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. It also examines major pollution issues, such as hazardous waste trade. Throughout these discussions, we examine development issues, the polarization of issues as developed and developing country issues, and the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development and enforcement of international environmental law.
• Prerequisite: none
• Evaluation Method: Grading will be based on an exam and discussion board question
• Capstone: no
• WIE: no

Notes for LC JDs, residential MSLs, and residential LLMs:

Lewis & Clark JDs, residential MSLs, and residential LLMs are permitted to take some courses online within the limits of LC’s distance learning policy. Those students should consult the distance learning policy prior to signing up for distance learning courses.

Students who are on campus are asked to take the in-person version of the class when both an in-person and online version of the same class are offered in the same semester, but may petition the Associate Dean of Students, Libby Davis, to take the online version if they have a compelling reason for doing so:  eadavis@lclark.edu

JD students at other law schools may be able to take online courses if space permits and permitted by their home school. Contact Associate Dean of the Environmental Law Program, Janice Weis, at jweis@lclark.edu