This course is concerned with the institutional arrangements and legal principles that underpin the practice of environmental and planning law.

The course examines environmental law from both theoretical and practical perspectives, taking a broad national and thematic approach. Whilst it places particular emphasis on the applicable Commonwealth, NSW and ACT law, the course reviews fundamental concepts, useful tools and insights with which to understand and critically analyse environmental law.

The course commences with an introduction to concepts relating to defining the 'environment', including the notion of 'ecologically sustainable development'. It then considers environmental law in a federal system.

This is followed by consideration of the role of local and state/territory governments in the implementation of environmental protection objectives through statutory land-use planning and other measures (including consideration of techniques for development control such as environmental impact assessment).

The course also covers regulatory strategies and techniques for pollution control, climate change and energy law, the enforcement of environmental protection measures (including the topics of standing and access to justice), as well as environmental litigation.

Mid-semester examination and research essay.  Details of the final assessment will be provided on the course home page by the first week of semester.

Three hours per week.

Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

Please refer to LAWS2215 course home page.