All aspects of environmental and natural resource management are shaped by the law in some way. The law is used to define how, and by whom decisions that impact upon the environment are made. Law imposes obligations upon individuals, institutions and governments; it is used to determine who is, or is not accountable for decisions and their consequences. The law can be used to bring the resources of the state to permit or prohibit actions and allow choices whether they benefit or harm the environment.
This course offers environmental science, management and policy students an introduction to the workings of the Australian legal system and how the law and relevant institutions are used to affect environmental decision making. While introducing students to key environmental legislation it explores how law is shaped by those with vested interests in the outcome and how law is applied, or ignored, in environmental decision making. You will gain a critical understanding of the law and its role in environmental decision making.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the role of parliaments, courts and the executive in the Australian legal system.
- Explain the role and separation of responsibility between the States, Territories and the Commonwealth in the Australian federation.
- Identify and explain key pieces of environmental legislation in different jurisdictions.
- Discuss and compare the role of institutions in the development and enforcement of environmental law in different jurisdictions.
- Critically discuss the role of law as a factor in environmental decision making in different jurisdictions and contexts.
