Provides an overview of the traditional uses of the sea and the rights and duties of states before and after the Law of the Sea Convention. The course explores the mechanics and dynamics of law making through organized global negotiation. It also investigates the relationship in negotiations between military and economic power and the ability to influence results in proportion to that power. Surveys the various tribunals to which environmental disputes involving nations or nationals of different states can be presented for resolution. The course considers the ICJ, the European Court of Justice, and the U.S. federal court system as well as the roles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, various human rights courts, and the International Labor Organization, along with the potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution and roles of individuals and non-governmental organizations.
Environmental protection is promoted by many international institutions yet inhibited by others.
This course examines the organizations including the UN, NGOs, and regional and transnational corporate institutions. Trade institutions also are examined. Special emphasis is given to the new Sustainable Development Commission and other institutions relevant to the recent UN Conference on Environment and Development. Presents different approaches for protecting the environment through national environmental legislation. Emphasis is given to the major components of modern environmental legal systems, including, for example, environmental impact assessment, access to environmental information, science-based environmental standards, and implementation of international agreements including Agenda 21.