Teaching and Learning Climate and Environmental Justice in Law Schools: Global Perspectives on Transforming the Curriculum

Arguing for the critical importance of the topic within law school curricula (whether for academic credit purposes or not), this novel and exceptionally timely book explores a fundamental question: should law schools teach about climate and environmental justice?

Despite the urgency of climate and environmental protection issues, many law schools present the topic as optional for students or don’t engage at all. Arguing for the inclusion of climate and environmental justice at the earliest possible opportunity, this book presents study models in a variety of contexts and jurisdictions to support research into curriculum development and design. Case study examples of planned climate and environmental justice research and offerings at national and international levels are presented to support those who wish to include and/or expand provisions. This book also addresses concerns and initiatives of indigenous peoples, demonstrating how partnerships between law schools and others remain integral to establishing sustainable learning initiatives.

Ultimately promoting and supporting the study of climate and environmental justice in a legal and applied context, this book will be of interest to scholars, researchers and academics involved with sustainability education, training and leadership, legal education and curriculum design. Clinical legal educators may also find the volume of interest.

Richard Grimes is Professor of Legal Education at New Vision University, Georgia; Visiting Professor at Charles University Czechia; Honorary Professor University of Dundee, Scotland; and an independent legal education and access to justice consultant.

Stephen Levett is Professor and Director of the Sustainability Clinic in York Law School, University of York, UK.

Rebecca Samaras is senior lecturer in Law and Director of Clinical Legal Education, Solicitor and Notary Public in the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, Scotland.

Rebecca Williams is lecturer in Environmental Law in the School of Law, University of Glasgow, Scotland.