Undergraduate TAS-LAW195-2023
Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy
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Duration
14 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
100% online
Prior study
Not required
Australia’s fourth oldest university, the University of Tasmania, is highly regarded internationally for teaching and academic excellence. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and more than 50 postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines. The university offers students a diverse range of opportunities, the chance to learn from leading experts, and excellent preparation for their future careers.
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QS Ranking 2023
17
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
22
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Subject details
Upon completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Describe and explain of the division of powers between local, state, and Commonwealth governments, sources and principles of environmental law, the role of international law, and the efficacy of current laws in relation to the case studies and issues discussed in the unit.
- Describe, explain, and critically reflect on the range of social, political, ethical, economic and ecological factors that influence environmental law, policy, and decision-making in Australia, in the context of the issues, disputes and case studies discussed in the unit.
- Research and evaluate a contemporary environmental problem and applicable legal framework.
- Express yourself effectively orally and in writing, using a range of media.
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- Introductory issues a:
- 1.State of Australia’s environment
- 2.Sources and structures of environmental law
- Introductory issues b:
- 3.The principles of ecologically sustainable development
- 4.Common tools and instruments of environmental law
- Test + Salmon aquaculture controversies in Tasmania
- Salmon Aquaculture continued
- Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
- The Adani Carmichael coal mine (I)
- The Adani Carmichael coal mine (II)
- Protecting Aboriginal cultural Heritage after Juukan Gorge
- Biodiversity offsets
- Tourism development in national parks
- Bushfires – a burning issue for environmental law reform
- Forestry under the regional forest agreement process
No eligibility requirements
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
This subject explores some of Australia’s most challenging environmental controversies, and the legal and policy context in which they arise. It uses a range of topical issues and case studies to introduce students to the framework for national and international environmental regulation, encouraging them to see how laws operate and apply in specific situations.
Through these case studies, students will appreciate common themes and challenges in environmental governance, including:
• failures of enforcement and implementation
• problems of overlapping and overly complex regulation across local, state and national laws;
• challenges for implementing the principles of ecologically sustainable development through law;
• the role of international law in influencing domestic environmental law;
• the importance of public participation in environmental decision-making; and
• the role of markets, media, human rights and environmental ethics in environmental protection.
- Take-Home Exam (40%)
- Test (15%)
- Presentation and Annotated Bibliography (30%)
- Contribution to Class Discussion (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).