The module will cover a number of different areas of law: processes; categories; legislative tools; theories and principles. It may appear that there is little to link some areas of law together, however, the assessment title is designed to draw in the various strands from each area.

In the law making process the very first stage must be the idea that something requires legislative action. Another part of teh module explores the evolution of teh way in which society has viewed environmentalism. Environmental legislation is usually based upon some founding principles; these are explored in the final part of the module, providing students with international, European and domestic examples of these principles. Once it is decided that action is required in the environmental field, thought must be given to the most appropiate means of achieving the desired result. Should the market be left to find the solution of should the legislator intervene with strictly enforceable targets? The module will explore the alternatives. If legislation is the method chosen, how does the executive get its ideas through Parliament and how will the Courts deal with it if it comes before them? The initial part of the module addresses these questions.

The module aims to equip students with a science background with a basic understanding of aspects of the English Legal System to enable them to appreciate the framework in which environmental law operates. It will also provide students with knowledge about the theories and principles which underlie environmental law and policy and ways and means of creating laws that will achieve environmental goals.

Students may subsequently build on their knowledge in the second semester by choosing subject/topic specific modules from the Distance Learning postgrauate degree offered by the Department of Law.