Summer Session

Animal Rights Law & Jurisprudence

This two-week course will  examine the current legal protections, for nonhuman animals, the problem of obtaining standing, as well as sources and characteristics of fundamental rights.  This will include:  why humans are entitled to them; why nonhumans are denied them; whether they should be limited to humans; and, if not, what rights should nonhuman animals be entitled to under common law?

Visiting Professor: Steven M. Wise

Feedback From a Summer 2010 Student:

“An absolutely transformational class - a brilliant study of the way ‘things’ become ‘non-things’ under our system of law, and a fascinating look at our appalling track record of diminishing anything that is different from us.  Even is you don’t consider yourself an ‘animal rights’ person, this class will forever change the way you thing about the human species” relative position in the world.”