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Are there any major and/or minor for Environmental Law?

I'm currently in high school and I am interested in Environmental Science and Law.

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Kelly’s Answer

Hello Simran,

Choosing the right college and major is a personal decision that should align with your interests. However, it's advisable to thoroughly examine the curriculum of each prospective institution before focusing on the title of the major. For instance, my degree in human security and resilience involved detailed studies on environmental aspects, and my thesis was on the legal and environmental impacts of large-scale dam projects. I recommend looking for a curriculum that covers the following:

Basic Law Courses:

Law Introduction: Offers a general understanding of legal systems, concepts, and terminology.
Legal Research and Writing: Teaches vital skills for conducting legal research and creating legal documents.
Constitutional Law: Delves into the principles and interpretations of the Constitution, which frequently overlap with environmental law.
Property Law: Discusses property rights and regulations, essential for comprehending land use and ownership issues.
Contracts: Discusses the basics of contract law, which is relevant in environmental agreements and transactions.
Torts: Investigates civil wrongs and liabilities, including environmental damage and liability.
Essential Environmental Law Courses:

Environmental Law: The main course, providing a comprehensive study of environmental statutes, regulations, and case law.
Administrative Law: Investigates the legal structure governing administrative agencies, such as the EPA, which play a significant role in environmental regulation.
Natural Resources Law: Concentrates on laws regulating the management and preservation of natural resources like forests, wildlife, and water.
Energy Law: Discusses legal issues related to energy production, distribution, and regulation, including renewable energy sources.
Land Use Planning and Regulation: Reviews laws and policies governing land development, zoning, and environmental impact assessments.
International Environmental Law: Investigates legal frameworks and agreements addressing global environmental challenges and cross-border issues.
Specialized Environmental Law Courses:

Climate Change Law and Policy: Examines legal responses to climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, and international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Wildlife Law: Concentrates on laws protecting endangered species, habitat conservation, and wildlife management.
Environmental Justice: Discusses the intersection of environmental issues and social justice, addressing disproportionate environmental burdens on marginalized communities.

Water Law: Discusses legal principles governing water rights, allocation, pollution, and management.

Pollution Control Law: Reviews laws and regulations aimed at controlling air, water, and soil pollution.

Toxic Torts: Investigates legal remedies for harm caused by exposure to hazardous substances.
Practical Experiences:

Internships: Provides opportunities to gain practical experience with environmental law firms, government agencies like the EPA, or non-profit organizations focused on environmental advocacy.

Moot Court Competitions or Environmental Law Clinics: Offers practical experience in legal advocacy and problem-solving within the context of environmental law.

Research Projects or Writing Assignments: Allows students to explore current environmental legal issues, developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
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