Where modules run over two terms as a 30 credit module, SIL students will attend and be assessed on the contents of term 1. Please note that some modules reflect this with an additional "A" in their module code, but this is not the case for all of them due to special assessment arrangements for SIL students.
All assessments are graded on a pass/fail basis.
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.
