Teaching Applied Sustainability: A Practicum Based on Drafting Ordinances

35 Pages Posted: 13 Dec 2016 Last revised: 13 Dec 2017

See all articles by Jonathan D. Rosenbloom

Jonathan D. Rosenbloom

Albany Law School

John C. Dernbach

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School

Date Written: December 12, 2016

Abstract

This article describes and explains a sustainability law practicum class that is now taught in only two law schools, but which has considerable teaching and practical value. It also explains how this class is consistent with, and furthers, the growing demand for experiential, skills-based legal education employing formative assessment. The class uses a realworld setting to provide students with skills they will need to help clients meet their sustainability goals. These skills include application of the principles of sustainable development in specific contexts; researching local government law; legislative/ordinance drafting; giving short presentations; and client counseling. These skills are developed in the course through a semester-long project involving drafting sustainability-related ordinances (e.g., green roofs, composting) for an actual municipality or municipal government trade association.

Keywords: Sustainability, Ordinances, Local Government, Legislative Drafting, Ordinance Drafting, Municipal Government, Trade Association, Municipality

JEL Classification: K00, K3, K19, K32, N5, O13, Q2

Suggested Citation

Rosenbloom, Jonathan D. and Dernbach, John C., Teaching Applied Sustainability: A Practicum Based on Drafting Ordinances (December 12, 2016). Texas A&M University Journal of Property Law, Vol. 4, 2017, Widener Law Commonwealth Research Paper No. 15-48, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2884259

Jonathan D. Rosenbloom

Albany Law School ( email )

80 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
United States

John C. Dernbach (Contact Author)

Widener University - Commonwealth Law School ( email )

3800 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9380
United States

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