This course examines the impact of law on environmental behavior, addressing whether legal frameworks can effectively reduce human environmental damage. We will delve into various case histories, including:
Each case will involve a review of the legal structures in place and an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. This Yale College course was recorded for Open Yale Courses in Spring 2010.
This introductory module sets the stage for the course, outlining the key themes and questions that will be explored. Students will engage with the concept of environmental law and its potential to effect change.
This module covers the fundamental principles and strategies that underpin environmental law. Students will learn about the regulatory frameworks and policies that govern environmental protection and sustainable practices.
In this module, we investigate the environmental consequences of nuclear experiments. Through historical context and case studies, we will analyze how nuclear activities have impacted ecosystems and human health over time.
This module examines the intersection between nuclear secrecy and ecology. We will discuss how information control affects environmental policy and the implications for public health and ecological integrity.
This module focuses on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its role in preparing for war. Students will analyze NEPA's framework and how it addresses environmental considerations in military contexts.
This module discusses the mercury contamination in marine food chains, exploring the legal frameworks that govern pollution control and the challenges faced in ensuring safe seafood consumption.
This module addresses site restoration law, focusing on the legal processes and responsibilities involved in rehabilitating contaminated areas. Case studies will illustrate the challenges and successes in restoration efforts.
This module examines chemically dependent agriculture, analyzing the legal frameworks that govern pesticide use and the implications for environmental sustainability and public health.
This module focuses on the risks associated with pesticide use, exploring the legal paradigms that govern pesticide regulation and the ongoing debates about safety and efficacy.
This module investigates safe drinking water laws, focusing on the scientific and legal standards that govern water safety and the challenges in ensuring access to clean water.
This module discusses the complexities of safety claims and free speech in the context of preemption and defamation in environmental law, exploring case studies that illustrate these challenges.
This module covers air quality law, focusing on the legal standards and regulations that aim to ensure safe air quality levels, as well as the enforcement challenges faced by regulatory agencies.
This module addresses vehicle emissions and public transit laws, exploring how legislation aims to reduce pollution from transportation and improve urban air quality.
This module discusses the evolution of plastics regulation, examining the legal frameworks that have emerged to address the environmental impacts of plastic production and waste management.
This module explores the tobacco paradigm in environmental law, examining the legal battles and regulatory frameworks surrounding tobacco products and their environmental implications.
This module reviews the evolution of tobacco law, focusing on the changes in legislation and public policy aimed at regulating tobacco use and its environmental effects.
This module examines land use and conservation law through the lens of Adirondack history, analyzing how legal frameworks have shaped land management and conservation efforts in this region.
This module focuses on property rights and public lands management, exploring how legal principles govern the relationship between private property and public land use.
This module addresses the intersections of land use law and property rights, exploring the legal challenges and policies that govern land development and conservation.
This module examines the management of coastal resources in the context of climate change, focusing on the legal frameworks that address the challenges of protecting coastal ecosystems.
This module discusses certification in design and green architecture, exploring how legal standards and practices promote sustainable building practices and energy efficiency.
This module reviews the past and future of nuclear power, focusing on the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern nuclear energy production and its environmental implications.
This module examines renewable energy policies and their legal foundations, analyzing how laws support or hinder the transition to sustainable energy sources.
This final module encourages reflection on the lessons learned throughout the course. Students will explore the implications of environmental law on future practices and policymaking.