Land, Environmental, and Natural Resources Law
Land law
Land law governs ownership, use, and protection of land. Know the categories of land by purpose, the forms of land rights (ownership, lifelong inheritable possession, permanent use, lease, servitude), the rules on allocation and withdrawal, and land dispute resolution. Traps: confusing the forms of land rights; assuming all land can be privately owned (some categories cannot); overlooking that land transactions may require registration.
Environmental and natural resources law
Understand the principles of environmental protection, environmental impact assessment, permits for natural resource use, liability for environmental harm, and specially protected natural areas. Know the rules on water, forest, and subsoil use, and the calculation of harm.
Traps
- Confusing administrative liability for environmental offences with civil liability for harm; both may apply.
- Assuming any land use requires a permit; some uses are permit-free.
- Mixing the competence of local councils and executive committees over land allocation.
Rule of thumb
For land questions, first classify the land category, then identify the permitted right, then check registration and competence.
Worked example
A company pollutes a river. It faces administrative liability and must compensate calculated harm; the two are cumulative, not alternatives.