Animal Law

Can a state regulate the living conditions in which pigs are raised in another state? Which obligations do corporate boards of directors have to monitor the welfare of their chickens? Is there any basis in the law to grant legal personhood to elephants or chimpanzees? We will explore these questions through analyzing recent cases, as well as long-standing precedent, that have shaped nonhuman animals' lives. Animal law is a rapidly evolving field that is woven together with other areas of law, including property and torts, constitutional law, and corporate law. Throughout this course, we will discuss the evolution of animal law and engage with the most pressing legal strategies lawyers in the field are advancing today. In the course of our legal analysis, we will discuss the ethical underpinnings of animal law and consider supplemental materials that shed light on humans' legal treatment of animals. Grades will be based on class participation and a final paper.