Details
INSTRUCTOR: Andrej Milic
SECTION: U02
SCHEDULE: Wednesday, 5:00PM-7:30PM
Course Description
This interdisciplinary honors seminar examines the legal frameworks governing human-animal relationships and the emerging field of animal law. Students will critically analyze how different legal systems classify animals—as property, subjects of welfare protections, or potential rights-holders—while investigating landmark cases, statutes, and regulations that shape animal treatment across jurisdictions. Through case studies spanning agricultural law, anti-cruelty statutes, endangered species protection, standing doctrine in animal welfare litigation, and constitutional challenges to animal use, the course explores pressing legal questions: What is the current legal status of animals, and should it change? How do courts balance competing interests in cases involving animal welfare? How effective are existing regulatory frameworks in protecting animals, and what role do enforcement mechanisms play? Students will engage with diverse perspectives from legal practitioners, policymakers, animal advocates, industry representatives, and scholars, while developing skills in legal analysis, statutory interpretation, case briefing, and policy evaluation. The course challenges participants to examine the adequacy of current legal protections and to consider how animal law is evolving in response to new scientific understandings of animal sentience and changing societal values.