Animal Law LAW 676

Description

Human beings share the planet with 4,500 other mammal species as well as 15,000 fish, 10,000 bird and 9,000 reptile species. Consequently, every society must define the relationship between these human and non-human inhabitants. Today, many people question the adequacy of laws arising from a tradition of human sovereignty and the piecemeal protection of animals. Increasingly, legislatures, government agencies and courts are being asked to define the rights of animals and, in turn, to redefine the relationship between humans and non-humans. This seminar will explore the evolving legal concept of animal rights and its application to different aspects of the relationship between humans and non-humans, including the human use of animals for research, food, commodities, sport, entertainment, prey and companionship. The seminar will include a review of federal and state civil and criminal statutes, case law, treaties and legal concepts derived from tort, contract and property law. The course will also explore how laws that are designed to preserve endangered animal species may be a model for a broad redefinition of the human-animal relationship. (added 11/07)

Schedule