Montana Water Rights and Water Law

Catalog description

(Sp) This course is an introduction to Montana water rights and water law. The fundamental principles of Montana water law, beginning with the prior appropriation doctrine, will be covered. The current statutory framework, ongoing statewide adjudication process, and forums within which water rights are handled will also be studied. An understanding of different the courts and agencies involved with water rights and their roles will be included. Common issues, problems, and processes affecting water rights that may be encountered in the use, enforcement, and transfer of water rights will be explored. Finally, this course will briefly introduce students to Federal and Indian water rights, compacts, and interstate water concerns.