This course will examine the legal classification and laws protecting nonhuman animals, as well as a number of topics that fall within the general heading “animal law.”

The course deals with the related substantive law, theory and policy including: the historical and philosophical treatment of animals, and how such treatment has affected the ways in which judges, administrators, politicians, lawyers, law students, legal scholars and lay people see protection laws; recent political campaigns to reform animal protection laws; “standing” and the problems of litigating on behalf of animals; the classification of animals as “property” and how that affects legal decisions; and whether current legal protections for animals are sufficient or, in the alternative, whether new legal strategies, and laws for animals, should be pursued. There may be occasional guest speakers.

Recommended for the Following Professional Pathways: Civil Rights/Civil Liberties;Government/Public Sector; International Law/Human Rights; General Practice – Litigation/Dispute Resolution

2 Credits