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 a take-home examination and may, with the permission of the professor, write an optional A paper. Class participation affects grades as well.