By Peter M. Bower & Dana Neacsu

Introduction to U.S. Law, Policy, and Research—An Environmental Perspective offers an interdisciplinary experiential study of environmental law unlike the typical environmental law textbook. Expanding beyond case studies, statutes, and rules, this book provides a unique, process-oriented introduction to law and legal research and its use in environmental policy and decision-making. Covering the origins and structure of the U.S. legal system, Introduction to U.S. Law, Policy, and Research—An Environmental Perspective places special emphasis on the litigation process and specific cases that explain common law and toxic torts, environmental administrative law, and environmental regulation through application and testing of statutory law in the courts.

In an effort to help students develop legal literacy as well as stronger research and writing skills, authors Dana Neacsu and Peter Bower provide the hands-on use of online legal resources, readings of opinions, statutes, and casebooks. Students will leave the text with a thorough understanding of:

• The origins, history, and structure of the U.S. legal system and how they apply to environmental policy and decision-making.
• The structure of the U.S. court system, including the importance of precedent and roles of the Constitution and Supreme Court.
• How to use legal research tools to find “good law” by analyzing precedent, find cases that determine the meaning of statute, and more.
• How to read, and brief cases, understand the structure of case-law writing etc.
• And much more!

Complete with an interactive online resource to help guide students through the course material, provide in-depth case studies, and engage students in further reading, Introduction to U.S. Law, Policy, and Research—An Environmental Perspective is a must-read for those looking to understand the basis of U.S. law and environmental policy.

Peter M. Bower, PhD, is a senior lecturer at Barnard College. He is an environmental conservationist with academic degrees in geology and geochemistry and the developer of the Brownfield Action (BA) curriculum. Dr. Bower also co-teaches Environmental Law and Policy at Barnard College with Dr. Dana Neacsu. 

Dana Neacsu, PhD, is a lecturer in law at Columbia University, a reference librarian at the Arthur W. Diamond Law Library, and an adjunct professor at Barnard College. Dr. Neacsu also co-teaches Environmental Law and Policy at Barnard College with Dr. Peter Bower. 

Paperback, 429 pages, July 2019

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-60042-478-6