2007 - 2008
Syllabus

In the previous lessons we have discussed, in general terms, the nature of environmental health programs and the importance of law and the legal system to their very existence and operation. In this part of the course, we want to build on the basis provided in chapter 1, and look at some of the particular tools and methods which environmental health practitioners use in their day-to-day activities which bring them into contact with law and the legal system. 

In lesson 5, we will look at the general process of obtaining information, and some of the legal issues and concepts involved. In lesson 6, we will consider the nature of the environmental health inspection, focusing on the right of the inspector to gain entry to private property for the purpose of conducting an inspection or investigation. In lesson 7, we will examine the system of permits and licenses used in environmental health and consider the legal implications of the a license on the license holder and on the agency. 

We will then shift our focus from identifying public health problems, to trying to resolve these problems. The first step is the notice of violation and order to abate. These are covered in lesson 8. And, in lesson 9, we will look at the use and limits of embargoes, seizures and condemnation in environmental health.

Please proceed to Lesson 5. Information: Gathering & Management