Water was first viewed as an instrumentality of transportation (and the main impetus behind junking the Articles of Confederation in favor of the Constitution); it was subsequently viewed as power for industry, irrigation for agriculture, and the water resource behind the growth of cities of the American west. Las Vegas and Phoenix, for example, would have been mere refueling stations on the transcontinental railroads were it not for massive water projects to make the desert bloom. This intensive course will give students--particularly those from Colorado and neighboring states--an appreciation of the importance of allocation of water resources in the American west. You will learn the common law and civil law approaches to the distribution of water in arid regions, the transportation of water from one basin to another, and a hierarchy of competing uses for the water. Special emphasis will be given to Colorado’s unique system of water courts and water judges. Although this course is concerned with U.S. water law, you will also recognize the importance of the free flow of water between the U.S. and its continental neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

This is an accelerated course. You will be expected to spend an average of at least 8 hours per week reading and completing assignments. Extensions will not be granted. This course is the equivalent of at least 45 clock hours of study. 70% is the minimum passing score on all exams and assignments for this course.

Required Textbook

• Water Law in a Nutshell, most recent edition, West Publishing Company

Highly Recommended Textbook

• Oran’s Dictionary of the Law, 4th Edition, by Daniel Oran. Clifton Park: Delmar Cengage Learning

For more information, call CLS by BARBRI at 800.522.7737 or visit their Online Store to order.