UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATIONS OF ANIMAL OPERATIONS (1 CREDIT) ENV5901.05 june 3, 1–4 pm; june 4, 9 am–12 pm and 1–4 pm; june 5, 9 am–12 pm Margaret York JD’15 What are undercover investigations? Why do animal advocacy organizations conduct them? In this course, students will explore a variety of legal considerations as they relate to conducting undercover investigations of animal operations. Specifically, students will examine the intersection of criminal law, tort, and ethical issues, as well as what does and does not constitute actionable
animal cruelty. We will discuss evidentiary issues, taking action/pursuing litigation, and corporate liability. We will examine how undercover investigations have changed the legal landscape for animals as well as the methods by which the industry has pushed back at this animal advocacy tactic. Throughout the course, we will discuss the ways in which undercover investigations and resultant prosecutions implicate social justice issues, assessing whether the stated goal of deterrent effect outweighs the potential disparate impact on individual low-wage workers.
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TERM TWO: See individual course descriptions for class dates and times. ANIMAL WELFARE LAW (2 CREDITS)
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june 20–23 and june 27–30, 1–4 pm Heather Rally and Delcianna Winders A broad and rapidly evolving field of law has developed concerning the welfare of animals that are used for a variety of human purposes, including food, entertainment, research, and companionship. Animals used for these purposes often endure a wide range of abuses that diminish animal welfare while also having an impact on humans. Public views about such uses of animals are rapidly changing. The class will combine traditional principles of animal welfare laws and advocacy with laws typically applied in the wildlife conservation context, such as the Endangered Species and Marine Mammal Protection Acts. This class will examine the role of law in understanding and reforming the relationship between humans and animals and improving the condition of animals maintained for human profit and entertainment. Students in the class will learn the role of legal institutions and
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regimes in promoting animal welfare. Past and current litigation, regulatory, and legislative efforts on behalf of animal welfare will be covered, with case studies and current developments.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES (2 CREDITS) ENV5480 june 20–23 and june 27–30, 1–4 pm Deborah L. Harris Environmental crime is the most common federal offense committed by U.S. corporations, and among the most profitable criminal activities in the world. Explore this specialized practice, from the relevant investigative agencies, through the benefits of “speaking” indictments, to the applicable federal sentencing guidelines. Students will examine the major pollution prevention and wildlife protection statutes, as well as the Title 18 offenses with which they are most often paired (e.g., conspiracy, false statements, obstruction of justice). Learn how these cases are used to change industry practice and raise public awareness of conduct that threatens human health and the environment.
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