Ateneo - UPO

The course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of the relationship between law and disaster, with particular focus on the tools and principles of private law. The program examines the legal, ethical, and comparative implications of catastrophic events, whether environmental or humanitarian in nature, with a particular focus on key issues such as the protection of individuals and human dignity, civil liability, and the management of property and legal relationships in crisis contexts. Teaching activities include lectures (also available online), case study analyses, and interactive discussions, with the aim of fostering critical and interdisciplinary reflection on legal and institutional responses to disasters.

Part Disaster law and private law of Research Handbook on Climate Disaster Law: Barriers and Opportunities. Edited by: Rosemary Lyster, Robert Verchick, Edward Elgard, 2018. Additional details will be provided in class.

The primary objective of the course is to provide a solid conceptual framework on the notion of law, with a specific focus on private law, legal systems, and disaster law, paying particular attention to the most recent and significant developments in legal scholarship and case law concerning environmental and climate-related disasters. Through the analysis of case studies addressing specific issues arising in crisis contexts, the course aims to highlight how private law engages with the complexity of disasters across different legal systems. The learning path encourages the use of interdisciplinary methodological tools, equipping students with non-traditional skills for understanding the socio-legal dynamics that emerge from the interaction between private law and disaster.

Basic notions of law

The course is organized around reading assignments and class discussions rather than lectures. Attendance is recommended. The teaching method consists of lessons devoted to explaining the main concepts of the program. During the lessons, we will proceed in classroom discussions (in person or remotely) on issues and topics identified by students. The subjects will be dealt with from a theoretical point of view, referencing the rules of interpretation expressed by the courts in applying the law and comparative experiences from historical, economic, and anthropological perspectives. Active lecture participation is essential in assessing the students’ learning degree.

Students are invited to visit the course's Dir page for further information about the supplementary material and the detailed program. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz with multiple-choice questions. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths, and to pass the exam, a student must achieve at least 18/30. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a passing grade, students must be familiar with the context of disaster from the private law perspective and be able to demonstrate acquisition of the relevant basic notions about law and its geography (legal systems and main divisions). To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.

1) The concept of law, private law, and legal systems 2) The notion of disaster and its legal regulation 3) Disaster and private law: key themes and perspectives 4) In-depth study of property law, civil liability, and the protection of the person and human dignity 5) Case study analysis and discussion related to the topics covered

- Enhance understanding of the technical language used in law, particularly in private law and disaster law topics. - Recognize the importance of the concept of disaster within the context of private law. - Gain knowledge of interdisciplinary methodologies applicable to the legal field. - Effectively communicate information, ideas, issues, and solutions related to private law questions in disaster situations to both specialized and general audiences. - Develop the ability to collect and interpret relevant data to form independent judgments, including reflection on associated ecological, social, scientific, and ethical issues.