Animal Rights Law

Catalog description

This course will introduce students to those the legal principles, as developed by common law and from statute, that affect animals. Starting with a summary of historical origins, the course will examine the legal treatment of animals from philosophical and practical perspectives. From definitional foundations (How are animals defined? Are animals property?) to issues of procedure, the course will address diverse questions covering a wide range of legal fields, including criminal law, torts, contracts, wills and trusts, domestic relations, and constitutional law.