Course: Climate litigation

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Course title Climate litigation
Course code VPK/UKL
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course unspecified
Form of instruction eLearning
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Melotíková Petra, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction to climate and environmental litigation 2. Climate litigation and the concept of climate justice 3. Classification of climate litigation 4. The role of human rights and climate litigation 5. International Climate Litigation 6. Regional Climate Litigation 7. Climate Litigation Around the World 8. Climate Litigation in Europe 9. Climate Litigation in the Czech Republic I: Introduction to Climate Litigation in the Czech Republic, Types of Cases, Trends. 10. Climate litigation in the Czech Republic II: Detailed study of Czech climate cases. 11. Case studies of climate litigation I: Analysis of real cases, discussion. 12. Case studies of climate litigation II: Analysis of real cases, discussion.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Group work
Learning outcomes
The course will help students navigate the legal system relating to climate change and environmental protection in general, with an emphasis on reflecting on global carbon inequality, promoting sustainability, and fulfilling specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will acquire the theoretical knowledge necessary to navigate the climate law system by studying court cases related to climate and environmental protection, including concepts such as intersectionality, climate justice, etc. In addition, they will practice practical skills such as searching for, analyzing, and interpreting legal norms, legal argumentation, and presentation skills. The course content is divided into three blocks: an introduction to the phenomenon of climate litigation, including trends and a review of basic legal regulations in the field of sustainability; climate litigation in the world and Europe; climate litigation in the Czech Republic, with an emphasis on analysis and practical understanding of the processes.
After completing the course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the legal system relating to climate change, including its principles, gaps, and shortcomings, with a view to achieving SDG 13 Climate Action 2. Develop the ability to interpret legal norms, court decisions, and other materials when dealing with complex legal situations, supporting SDG 4 Quality Education 3. Identify, connect, and apply knowledge related to climate protection, equality, and justice in legal practice with regard to reduced inequalities, gender equality, and sustainability, aiming to achieve SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 5 Gender Equality, and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities. 4. Prepare strategies and make decisions in the context of legal practice with regard to sustainability, equality, and justice, in line with SDG 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Prerequisites
The completion of this course is not conditioned upon completion of any other courses

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Seminar Work, Written exam

Submission and defense of a semester project in the form of a climate litigation plan.
Recommended literature
  • Balounová, E. (2022). Klimatická litigace. In H. Müllerová (Ed.), Klimatické právo (s. 591-618).. Praha.
  • Franková, M. (2024). Lidskoprávní aspekty klimatické litigace. AUCI.
  • Müllerová, H. (2022). Klimatické právo. Praha.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester