Public Lands and Resources Law

Description:

This course surveys the constitutional, statutory and common law governing the management of federal lands. It includes a review of the history of public land acquisition, disposition, and reservation, and also examines the authority of Congress, the executive, the judiciary, and the states over public lands which predominate in the western United States. The course surveys laws related to the use of forest, range, mineral, water, wildlife, recreation and wilderness resources of the public lands as well as the application of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act to federal lands. Grades are based on a take-home examination and class participation.

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.