Principles of environmental policy and law

optional courses

Classroom

The subject to be discussed refers to principles of environmental policy and law from the international law system perspective. The substantial scope of the subject concerns mainly international environmental law with emphasis given to the Multirateral Environmental Agreements and their implementation on regional and domestic law levels.

I. Introduction to the subject of environemntal policy and law.

II. The environment and international law – defining terms and notions.

III. Aksjology of the environmental governance law.

IV. Sources and instruments of environmental law.

V. System of the international environmental governance.

VI. Principles.

VII. Compliance issues.

VIII. Liability for environmental damage.

IX. Sanctions.

X. Human Rights and Environment.

A. Kiss, D. Shelton, Guide to International Environmental Law, Leiden/Boston 2007; P. Sands, Principles of International Environmental Law, Cambridge 2007; J. Holder, M. Lee, Environmental Protection, Law and Policy, Cambridge 2007;

After completion of the course the student will know:

- the elements of system of international environmental policy and law including international actors and stake holders in this domaine;

- the basis for decision-making;

- the procedures of environemtal law-making;

- how to implement the international environmental law into the national legal systems of the member states;

- what are legal requirements and implementing measures;

- common legal principles of environmental law;

- how to examine the international courts decissions pertaining to environmental law.

Attendance list and assessment of the level of preparation for each class. This constitutes 50 % of a final note. The remaining 50% is the note for the individual level of presentation.