Animal law is the fastest developing field of law in the nation. It is an interdisciplinary practice, encompassing several areas of the law such as property, contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, and even intellectual property. In addition, there are federal and state laws specific to animals, such as trusts and cruelty statutes. This class will focus upon both areas. There will be a strong emphasis on your communication skills: thoughtful and consistent class participation is required. Each week we will address a new area of law, and how it applies to animal law. Class one will be a review of the common law as it relates to animals; class two will be a case file or in class exercise based upon class one.