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, including an introduction to the new regulatory challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the key concepts of 'environment', 'environmental harm', and 'pollution', and the guiding principles of ecologically sustainable development and environmental justice at the State and Commonwealth levels; (2) explain the principal legal techniques for environmental ‘governance', ‘regulation' and ‘liabilities'; (3) analyse the legal and ethical issues that arise in environmental decision-making and propose solutions to them; (4) collaborate through listening, negotiation and advocacy to promote mutual understanding of environmental legal knowledge; and; and (5) develop convincing, coherent and consistent arguments to communicate legal knowledge, orally and in writing, to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and justice, including global climate change..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial exercises and (2) exam OR research essay. 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
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and 30 points ( LAWS4102 Criminal Law LAWS4103 Contract LAWS4104 Property LAWS4106 Torts LAWS4107 Land Law LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and ( LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
) )
Incompatibility
LAWS5540 Environmental Protection Law
Advisable prior study
LAWS5102 Administrative Law
and LAWS5101 Constitutional Law
Contact hours
3 hours per week
Note
The Reading Guide refers students to prescribed and recommended reading in issued reading materials and on-line and the LMS site includes links to some generally useful website materials.
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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.