Antwerp, Belgium

Animal Law, Rights and Representation

when 19 August 2024 - 23 August 2024
language English
duration 1 week
credits 3 EC
fee EUR 375

Red squirrels are native to Europe. However, due to the increasing presence of grey squirrels that are brought here from the US, which are stronger, red squirrels are now almost getting extinct.

The international (and European) legal framework requires states to eradicate such 'invasive species'. But how do we legitimize killing individual beings to save an abstract concept as 'species'? Are red squirrels better than grey squirrels, just because they were here first?

This leads us to the more general question: do animals have legal rights? And if so, who can represent them in court?

We will discuss these and other questions during the Summer School in Animal Law, Rights and Representation at the University of Antwerp. You will get a comprehensive overview of animal law as a legal discipline, familiarize yourself with the different theories of animal rights law, and think about ways to represent animals in court.

Target group

Third Bachelor and Master Students in Law. Participants should have at least completed 2 full years of education in a relevant field of study.

Credits info

3 EC
3 ECTS credits will be awarded upon successful completion of the programme, including a written assignment to be submitted 2 weeks after the end of the Summer School. The assignment is only obligatory for those who like to obtain ECTS for the Summer School. All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.

Fee info

EUR 375: Students

The fee includes lectures, course materials, coffee breaks, a closing ceremony and social activities. It does not include accommodation, meals or travel arrangements.
EUR 750: Others

The fee includes lectures, course materials, coffee breaks, a closing ceremony and social activities. It does not include accommodation, meals or travel arrangements.