Sarah E. Light

Environmental Alternative Dispute Resolution

Pre-requisite: A basic course in environmental law is preferred, but not required.

Recognizing that the court system does not always provide the best mechanism to resolve disputes, this course will provide a survey of alternative dispute resolution methods and techniques, including negotiation and mediation. The course will focus in particular on the challenges of environmental dispute resolution , for example, disputes among responsible parties over who must pay to clean up a hazardous waste site, or disputes over liability for a major oil spill. The course will be highly interactive, and will combine discussions of theory with an emphasis on practical negotiation and mediation skills through intensive simulations.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade with pass/fail option. Students will be required to attend class, participate in class discussions and simulations, and to complete several written assignments.

Legislation and Statutory Interpretation

The course examines the basic mechanics of the legislative process regarding enactment and implementation of the process and of American politics that affect statutory issues. The course will focus on statutory interpretation theories, tools such as clear statement rules, legislative history, and the canons of construction, and actual case results.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade with pass/fail option. An examination is required, but with instructor approval, students have the option of submitting a paper to satisfy the Upperclass Writing Requirement in lieu of the exam.