Registration ends 07.4.2026 at 23:59 h

This course provides an introduction to the concept of law, legal methodology and the role of international, European and national law in achieving a transformation towards more sustainable governance systems. It offers a critical understanding of the structure and functioning of international, European and national law both as an important tool to steer societies towards sustainability and, importantly, also as a constraint to such efforts.

A particular focus of the course is on the interrelationship between the different levels of law as well as key differences between them with respect to actors, law-making, instruments, implementation and enforcement from a global, regional and domestic level. In this respect, the main focus will be on European Union law.

The course approaches these issues through a combination of doctrinal instruction and discussion of selected case-studies. Topics covered include air pollution, emissions trading, supply chain regulation, public participation, climate litigation, and others).

Moreover, depending on availability of suitable guest lecturers, students will simulate an international or European environmental negotiation to experience the challenges and opportunities that such negotiations present first hand.

Students will acquire a basic understanding of international, European and domestic law as it operates as a regulatory tool for or limitation on policies of relevant actors aimed at a transformation towards more sustainable governance. They will learn to identify key features for a legal design supportive of transformations towards sustainability as well as legal and political challenges that ambitious regulation faces.

Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/feedback-instruments.html