Posted on 05/10/2008 12:44:09 PM PDT by Abathar
A student at the University of Mississippi will leap into the final frontier of the legal system Saturday when he receives the first-ever space law certificate in the United States.
Michael Dodge of Long Beach, Calif., earned the special distinction along with his law degree through the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law at the university's law school.
"The professors and personnel here are the highest quality that can be found anywhere in the world, and I have learned from them the necessary skills I will need to effectively practice space law," Dodge said in a statement. "Ole Miss is, simply put, the space law expert, and anyone wishing practice in this field should get their legal education here."
Any future space lawyer might have to deal with issues ranging from the fallout over satellite shoot-downs to legal disputes between astronauts onboard the International Space Station. The expanding privatization of the space sector may also pose new legal challenges.
Dodge's interest in space law grew from an early fascination with space exploration that was based mostly on science and history.
"Once I came to the law school, I read that there was an attorney here that specialized in space law," Dodge said. "After that, I became curious as to why space needed regulation, and how legal regimes could be constructed to govern such an expanse."
That led to a meeting with Joanne Gabrynowicz, director of the University of Mississippi's space law center.
"Students in this program have unparalleled opportunities to participate in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court competition, the Journal of Space Law, center conferences and events, and internships that strengthen their future employment options," Gabrynowicz said.
The university offers the only dedicated aerospace law curriculum in the nation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school, and requires courses on U.S. space and aviation law, international space and aviation law, and remote sensing; participation in the publication of the Journal of Space Law; and independent research. The National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law was founded in 1999.
"We are particularly proud to be offering these space law certificates for the first time, since ours is the only program of its kind in the U.S. and only one of two in North America," said Samuel Davis, law dean at the University of Mississippi.
Space Lawyers, just what we need...
The entire faculty consists of two people:
http://www.spacelaw.olemiss.edu/
Curriculum
LAW 583
(1-4 hours)
Prof. Joanne Gabrynowicz
Journal of Space Law
The Journal of Space Law is an academic review of national and international scope, focusing on the many aspects of space, remote sensing, and aerospace law. Research, writing, and editing assignments, and other duties necessary to the operation of the Journal of Space Law. One hour credited for each term of participation to maximum of 4 hours. Limitation: credit not available if enrolled in the Mississippi Law Journal 610 or Moor Court Board 666. (Z credit).
LAW 655
(3 hours)
Prof. Joanne Gabrynowicz
Remote Sensing Law
Remote sensing is a valuable technology in science, foreign policy, national security, and commerce. This course provides an overview of international and domestic remote sensing law and identifies issues in the United States and the international community.
LAW 679
(3 hours)
Prof. Joanne Gabrynowicz
U.S. Domestic Space Law
This course covers the most developed body of domestic space law in the world: that of the United States. It addresses the nation’s civil and military programs and offers a wide variety of commercial activites: launches, remote sensing, and satellite communications, among others.
LAW 680
(3 hours)
Prof. Joanne Gabrynowicz
International Space Law
This course provides an overview of current international space law in U.N. resolutions and treaties and customary law. It identifies legal theory and principles used in the advancement of civil, military, and commercial space activities.
LAW 723
(3 hours)
Prof. Jaqueline Serrao
U.S. Domestic Aviation Law
This course covers domestic aviation laws, regulations, and policy, and explores all major aspects of aviation law, including, but not limited to, government regulation, liability, aircraft financing, economic regulation of domestic air routes and rates, aviation security, and environmental law.
LAW 724
(3 hours)
Prof. Jaqueline Serrao
International Aviation Law
This course covers private and public international aviation law, and the relevant principles of international law that apply to the use of air space, by examining the sources of international air law and the law-making processes affecting the regime of air space and international air transport.
LAW 615
(1-3 hours)
Individual Study
Research and writing on an assigned topic under supervision of a faculty member or participation on moot court or mock trial teams at regional or national competitions under supervision of a faculty member.
LAW 715
(1-3 hours)
Individual Study
Legal research and analysis on a particular topic assigned by the faculty, and the preparation of a written article. Prerequisite: permission of the supervising faculty member and the Curriculum Committee of the law faculty.
“Lawyers In Space!” I smell a movie! I wonder what Mel Brooks is doing these days.
Great, now they can ruin the space program too.
Perhaps the UN should declare space a "lawyer-free" zone.
Spaced Out Law? Space for Outlaws? Space Suits? Litigation Without Gravitation? Rockets and Rackets?
What do they plant their feet on when the are scr**ing you in space.
The Man Who Sold the Moon - Robert Heinlein
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.