Environmental Law

Our waterfront campus offers students a dramatic focus on the network of laws that govern the impact of human activity on the waterfront and marine environment.

Covering issues related to waterfront development, piers and marinas, boating, fisheries, dredging, underwater cultural heritage, and the protection of Narragansett Bay, our Marine Law program is second to none.

This track also includes significant exposure to Environmental and Natural Resources Law, covering the network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws addressing the effects of human activity on the natural environment.

RWU Law’s Marine Affairs Institute, in partnership with Rhode Island Sea Grant and University of Rhode Island, is a comprehensive clearinghouse for marine law and policy, engaged in preparing the next generation of marine law professionals. Located between Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay at the gateway to Cape Cod, RWU Law offers an ideal location in which to learn about and conduct research on issues in coastal law. The Institute offers rigorous coursework and exciting extracurricular opportunities, as well as regional, national and international conferences attended by top scientists, lawyers and policymakers.

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Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.