This course will explore how law and policy regulate wild animals, companion animals, farm animals, animals used for entertainment, animals used in scientific research, and genetically engineered animals. The animal issues addressed will span a wide range of legal territory, including environmental law, international law, torts, property, and criminal law. The course will examine the ethical, social, and economic constructs that influence the legal relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. Specific topics to be explored will include links between animal cruelty and crimes against humans; property status and assessment of damages for harm to companion animals; commercial regulation of animals in entertainment, science, and farming; ethics of genetically engineered animals and species restoration; the role of wildlife trafficking in disease transmission and national security; and animal welfare versus animal rights.

Students will be required to complete a substantial research paper on an emerging topic in animal law. Students will also be required to present their papers to the class and to contribute to in-class and on-line discussions.