University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

International Environmental Practicum

Tags:international environmental practicum 

2^nd and 3^rd Year Students, Limited to 10 students

   This course will involve law students in working with interested faculty in providing assistance to counsel in other countries on specific issues arising in environmental litigation – initially primarily in India. Issues will involve litigation in the Indian Supreme Court or State High Courts, in administrative proceedings, and other for a for  adjudication or policy formation.  The subject matter will include issues framed by both domestic Indian law and related international legal and regulatory requirements, possibly including environmentally-related human rights issues. Obviously, working with any of these issues will require background study of key legal sources necessary to understand issues and render competent, meaningful assistance.

         Matters initially addressed by the Practicum will focus largely on environmental issues in India because established relationships with certain NGOs in that country make that most readily feasible. This course is not formally “clinical” because it is likely to involve relatively little contact with clients in India, and the supervising professor will bear no direct case responsibility. However, direct “live” contact with the primary attorneys in India will be arranged (possibly sporadically) through telephone, “chat” and email exchanges for discussions of strategy and research or briefing assignments. Limited similar discussion with clients may also occur – more likely in assisting NGOs in policy advocacy rather than litigation.

         Assuming success in developing effective student participation, later arrangements may include referrals by other Indian parties, including government and private entities, may also be addressed  (with careful attention to potential conflicts of interest.)  Depending on the extent of student participation, faculty availability and the feasibility of substantive background study, issues arising in other countries ultimately may also be addressed.

         Environmental Law which is an introduction to legal and policy issues of environmental protection and decision-making, including study of common law approaches to pollution control; and the theories and approach to federal laws governing environmental regulation; and

         Administrative Law, which introduces the statutory policymaking roles of administrative agencies; the limits on their authority; the procedural requirements that structure agency decision-making; and the role of judicial review. The focus is on federal administrative agencies, though some aspects of state law are also discussed.

Fall      LAW 7830  Fri   3:15 – 5:15 PM

Spring  LAW 7830  Fri   3:15 – 5:15 PM

• Ethics (pdf)
• Report Form (pdf)