WORKING ON NON-HUMAN ANIMAL LAW AND RIGHTS IN THE EU

The course, funded by the European Union (Jean Monnet module), was not designed for a defined course of study, but responds to a growing interest of the student community in topics related to the environment, the protection of non-human animals, and the rights of nature.
The course, which is quite unique, fits into any course of study. It certainly has a strong legal basis, but has an interdisciplinary character.

At the end of the course, students should:
1) Have an overall knowledge of the different legal, philosophical and human-geography approaches to the rights of non-human animals;
2) Have a through knowledge of the EU legislation and policy instruments concerning non-human animal welfare, the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as of the most recent reforms discussed at EU level;
3) Be equipped with the proper tools to read and comment a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the protection of non-human animals and biodiversity;
4) Have an overall knowledge of knowledge of civil and criminal law legislation concerning non-human animal protection (with a particular focus on Italy and Spain);
5) Have the ability to critically assess and discuss the impact of policy decisions and lifestyles on the protection of non-human animals welfare.

Knowledge of law might be useful but is not compulsory.

1. Introduction: Anthropocentrism and new interdisciplinary perspectives - the importance of a European debate
2. Introduction to rewriting judgments
3. Legal framework in the EU on non-human animal law and rights
4. Analysis of a CJEU judgement
5. EU biodiversity and trade policies with regard to animal welfare
6. Analysis of a CJEU judgement
7. Non-human animal rights as rights of nature in domestic experiences
8. Analysis of Italian judgment concerning Article 9
9. Criminal law and non-human animal rights
10. Civil law and non-human animal rights
11. Rewriting project
12. Law, ethics and culture in the case of hunting, fishing, whaling, circuses, palii and corridas
13. Ritual slaughter and corridas: perspectives from the Spanish experience
14. Animal exploitation in industry
15. Philosophical and legal perspectives on …..
16. Rewriting project
17. Protection of non-human animals and ecological sustainability: the impact of the fashion and food industry on climate change and food security
18. The future of non-human animals’ rights in the EU

Articles and reference texts will be suggested during the course.
Two specific books for WHALE are in preparation.

Students will present their projects on rewriting of a judgement and deliver it in a written essay and an oral presentation at the end of the course.

The assessment is composed of the following:
- clarity of the presentation
- ability to present arguments
- reference of relevant legal instruments.
The minimum level (18) is achieved when the topic is clearly presented, the rewriting is well argued, and relevant normative references are cited.

Lectures by experts. Interaction in class is welcome on current issues.
Workshops on judgements and rewriting.

Italian

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development