Animal Law

Description:

This course in animal law will introduce students to those principles, rules, and regulations -- as developed by common law and from statute --that affect animals. Starting with a summary of historical origins, the course will examine such laws in their philosophical and practical underpinnings, and from a variety of differing perspectives, exploring how the law has treated animals in the past and may treat them in the future, both locally and nationally. From the foundational (How are animals defined? Can animals have standing? Are animals property?) to the pragmatic (What procedural obstacles might confront claims made on behalf of animals? What substantive constraints might prosecuting an animal cruelty case entail?) the course will address diverse questions and answers in such areas as contract and tort; protections under criminal and civil statutes; cruelty and abuse laws; legal standing for animals; treatment of laboratory animals; ownership and valuation issues; custody areas; and ethical and legal dilemmas posed by the capture, confinement, and commercial use of animals.

Students will be graded by participation and final exam.