POL 3430 Environmental History and Law
This course focuses on an historic overview of the environmental movement along with the study of the principal environmental federal and state statutes, as well as rights provided under the common law and the Constitution. The origins of the American idea of "common space;" the struggle between Native Americans and Europeans over land; origins and development of the National Park system; conflicts between industry and environmentalists; and women’s groups in urban beautification is considered. Current legal trends in environmental justice, takings, and protection for endangered species is examined. (Law and Society Designated)