LAW-22306 Sustainable Development Law

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures24
Tutorial24
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. K Purnhagen
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. mr. BMJ van der Meulen
dr. H Schebesta
dr. K Purnhagen
Examiner(s)prof. mr dr W. Bruil

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course offers students an overview of sustainable development law. After a general introduction on law and regulations, institutional aspects - what bodies on international, European and national level are involved - and the relations between national and international law, the course focuses on the principles of sustainable development, and the question whether these principles are transformed into legally binding standards. The second part of the course offers a specific insight in several environmental issues and the law related to these issues, such as: climate change, water management, air pollution, waste management, nature protection, dangerous substances etc. These issues are reviewed by international treaties, European directives and regulations and - in general - national (Dutch) legislation. National and international case law will be considered as well.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain that law can perform quite different roles in protecting the environment;
- have a general insight in topics of law and sustainable development, or an international and European level;
- demonstrate understanding of the intimate relationship between law and governance of environmental issues;
- give a rough sketch of the organization of environmental governance in The Netherlands, the European Union and the United Nations;
- demonstrate knowledge of the interactions of law in general and environmental law in particular on different levels of government;
- demonstrate insight into the opportunities for non-governmental organizations offered by environmental law.

Activities:

- participate in class lectures;
- study the obligatory readings;
- participate in discussions about the possibilities and impossibilities of environmental law.

Examination:

To be decided.

Literature:

Handbook and selected materials.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BESEnvironmental SciencesBScA: Environmental Policy and Economics3WD
Restricted Optional for: MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc3WD