Law School, University of Eastern Finland

Law School, University of Eastern Finland

Animal Law and Policy (5 cp)

Grading

0-5

Responsible teacher

Docent Outi Ratamäki

Learning outcomes

After completing the course students will understand the difference between animals’ legal status in different legal systems and are able to analyze the legislation concerning animals – and the interpretation of the law – from the main current approaches presented in the scientific literature. They will also have an understanding of the development of animal policies in modern societies. Third, students will be familiarized with the animal case law and understand the aspects of enforcement.

Content

The course covers the foundations of animal law and policy and the central concepts and principles of their European dimension.

Modes of study

The course consists of lectures 20 hours, assignments (30 %), oral presentation (pass/fail, 0-3 bonus points for the exam) and take home examination (70 %).

Study materials

The course material will be available through library electronic resources and Moodle.

Literature for the exam:

Bilchitz, David: Moving Beyond Arbitrariness: The Legal Personhood and Dignity of Non-Human Animals. South African Journal of Human Right 25/2009:38–72.

Favre, David: Living Property: A New Status for Animals within the Legal System. Marqouette Law Review 93/2010:1022–1071.

Francione L., Gary: Animals as Persons. Essays on the Abolition of Animal Exploitation. Columbia University Press 2008. Pages 1–169 and 210–229.

Radford, Mike: Animal Welfare Law in Britain. Regulation and Responsibility. Oxford University Press 2001. Pages 15–128 and 345–405.

Aaltola, Elisa: Animal Ethics and the Argument from Absurdity. Environmental Values 19/2010: 79-98.

Cochrane, Alasdair: An Introduction to Animals and Political Theory. Palgrave Macmillan 2010. Pages 10-71.

Donaldson, Sue and Kymlicka, Will: Zoopolis. A Political Theory of Animal Rights. Oxford University Press 2011. Pages: 1-69.

Material for the assignment:

Instructions and material for assignments will be delivered at the beginning of the course. First assignment will contain either a legal case (e.g a court ruling or a statutory provision) or a political theme. These will be analyzed based on applicable research literature. Second assignment will be based on the exam material.

Other material:

Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (consolidated version Official Journal 26/10/2012, C 326/47) Article 13.

Moodle-page opens at first day of lectures. The course key will be sent to all Weboodi-registered students at first day of lectures.

Teachers

Outi Ratamäki and Birgitta Wahlberg

Further information

Language of instruction is English. The course is limited to 40 students (min. 5 students).