The Faculty of Law offers a unique setting for the study of environmental law. The Faculty's curriculum stresses the importance of an outstanding general legal education as foundation for any course of specialized training. This approach is particularly relevant to the field of environmental law, which intersects with and draws upon many core areas of study.
For example, an understanding of Canadian regulatory approaches to environmental protection presupposes knowledge of the division of powers between the federal government and provinces under Canadian Constitutional Law. In turn, an understanding of the action an individual may take to address environmental harm is aided by knowledge of Tort and Property Law. Indeed, the study of environmental law builds upon virtually all the core courses offered in the first year curriculum
The field of environmental law is similarly intertwined with many of the general courses in the Faculty's upper year curriculum. For example, the expertise of an environmental lawyer today should encompass a good grasp of Administrative Law, Aboriginal Law or Public International Law.
Building on this base, students in their second and third years of study can choose to specialize in the environmental field by enrolling in the JD/Certificate in Environmental Studies program, or through their choice of courses, including the survey courses on environmental law, a range of more specifically focused courses, and courses that provide access to practical experience.
In short, the Faculty's wide-ranging general curriculum anchors its offerings in the environmental law area, which provide students with a blend of classroom and hands-on experience. The aim is to prepare students for the complex and inter-disciplinary nature of the legal issues they will encounter in a career in environmental law, be it in private practice, the public interest field or in an international setting.
The Faculty's curriculum is rounded out by a variety of other offerings, such speakers visiting the Faculty through one of its many lecture or workshop series, practical opportunities through our environmental law practica, summer internships and the International Human Rights Program, and an active student community.
In addition, the Faculty is connected with the tremendous resources of University of Toronto. In particular, students have access to the speakers and events of The Center for Environment, which draws together academics and students from disciplines throughout the University working on environmental issues. The Institute is an important source of leading multi-disciplinary work on the environment.
