Native American Natural Resources Law

Description:

This course considers a variety of natural resources and environmental law issues of concern to American Indian peoples. The broad themes of the course involve distinguishing between tribal sovereign control over and proprietary ownership of natural resources and examining a variety of federal-state-tribal jurisdictional conflicts over natural resources development and environmental protection. Specific topics include land claims; environmental regulation; mineral and timber development; water rights, and fishing, hunting, and gathering rights. Students must take an examination or may, with the permission of the professor, write an optional capstone paper. Papers can qualify for the capstone writing requirement and can apply towards the Environmental Law Certificate.

Class participation affects grades as well.

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.