The taught modules offered on the LLM programme vary from year to year. Please check the full list of taught modules list for details of modules running in specific academic years. We make every effort to ensure that every module will be offered, but modules are subject to change and cancellation. You are therefore advised to check this site regularly for further updates throughout the year preceding entry to the LLM programme.
Assessment method for LLM students: 2-hour unseen written examination
Assessment method for SIL students: 3,000 word coursework essay
Module Overview
Module summary
This module examines the core structures of environmental governance and different approaches to the regulation of environmental protection. These are challenges which are common to many jurisdictions, but the module will focus on the United Kingdom as a model for examination - a jurisdiction with a developed system of environmental governance and regulation, but one that is having to adapt in the face of fresh demands, not least devolution.
The core aim of this module is to equip participants with an appreciation of key issues that shape the development of contemporary environmental law. Students will acquire critical facilities in the evaluation of substantive rules and different regulatory approaches.
Module syllabus
Core strands in development of environmental law and Government structures and Policy development in the environment
Integrated Prevention and Pollution Control
Climate change and Emissions Trading
Land use-planning and Environmental assessment
Environmental Liability
Water pollution and water management
Habitat Protection
Access to information, participation, and access to justice
Enforcement of environmental law and design of environmental sanctions
Role of specialist environmental courts/tribunals
Recommended materials
No single text covers the entire module, and you will refer closely to a range of materials for individual sessions.
Macrory (2010) Regulation, Enforcement and Governance in Environmental Law (Hart Publishing paperback) pulls together his core writings on environmental law, many of which deal with issues considered on this course. It also includes a selection of case-commentaries originally published in ENDS Report covering some of the most important environmental law cases over the last decade.
Holder and Lee, Environmental Protection, Law and Policy (Cambridge University Press, 2007) provides useful material relevant to many of the classes. One of the most accessible and thorough accounts of UK environmental law is Bell and McGillivray, Ball and Bell on Environmental Law (OUP 7th ed.).
Seminar handouts and other materials will be provided electronically through Moodle (virtual learning environment).
Preliminary reading
Macrory R (2002) Regulating in a Risky Environment in Current Legal Problems 2001, 619-648 reprinted in Macrory (2010) Regulation, Enforcement and Governance in Environmental Law 155-180LAWS
Other information
Students are expected to prepare for each class and to be prepared to contribute to class discussion.
Prizes for this module: There are currently no prizes available for this module.
APPLICATION NOTICES
The application process for the 2013-14 academic session is open.
The deadline for applications to be received has been extended to Monday 1 July 2013
Please refer to the How to apply section for information on the application process.
