Water Law

Catalog description

This course covers both traditional water law rules and modern water management challenges. It covers Eastern and Western U.S. water law, examining both classic principles and statutory modifications of the riparian rights and prior appropriation doctrines. It also explores public dimensions of water law, the Public Trust Doctrine, environmental quality issues in water management, and government takings relating to water use restrictions and flood damages. In addressing issues from drought to flooding, the course considers the challenges posed by climate change for managing water resources in the 21st Century. Prerequisite(s): Property. Graded.