Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines key concepts in environmental protection law in Western Australia, in its national and international contexts. It focuses on the law relating to pollution control and environmental impact assessment. The unit analyses a range of legal techniques and principles applied to environmental protection through six key themes: (1) the key definitions, institutions and objectives, (2) policy and information instruments, (3) controls on particular activities, (4) environmental impact assessment, (5) criminal liabilities, and (6) civil liabilities.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the key concepts of 'environment', 'environmental harm', 'pollution' and ‘ecologically sustainable development'; (2) explain the institutional structures of environmental governance; (3) apply the principal legal techniques of regulating environmental harm and pollution; (4) critically analyse the ethical and legal issues that arise in environmental protection law and in environmental decision-making in the public and private sectors; and (5) demonstrate effective legal research and communication skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) pre-class short podcast; (2) pre-class case note; and (3) post-class research Paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Alex Gardner
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
Students must have completed a recognised law degree based on the common law
or completion of LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
OR LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions.
Contact hours
This unit will run online with pre-reading from 29 July. Interactive classes will be held 27-29 August 2024. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory. Refer to the LMS page for further information,
Text

The Reading Guide refers students to prescribed and recommended reading in Unit Readings and and open access on-line..  In addition,

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth)

National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 (Cwlth)

Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)

Environmental Protection Regulations 1987 (WA)

Recommended
reading

Bates, G. Environmental Law in Australia, 10th edn: LexisNexis Butterworths 2019

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.