Animal Law Project

Experts in the field

Duke is recognized as a leader in animal law, and faculty working with the Project are regularly asked to consult on animal law matters, contribute to statutory reform efforts, and the like.

"It's like getting into intellectual property law just as the internet was starting up -- new and dynamic."

Ben Stark '06

Training Advocates

The area of Animal Law needs trained advocates. By providing opportunities for students we are helping to build a core group of professionals who can help increase enforcement and promote law reform.

Animal Law Class

Since 2000, Duke has offered a class in animal law. It is now offered every year, making Duke one of a select group of law schools to offer animal law so regularly. The course is taught by either Professor William Reppy or Adjunct Professor Marilyn Forbes. The course is two or three units.

Animal Law Clinic

Duke's Animal Law Clinic, offered each year in the spring semester, is among the first of its kind. It trains law students from Duke Law School and other institutions in lawyering skills and strategies while providing them with the opportunity to work on real, important animal law issues. The clinic is offered either as a separate course or as an addition to the Animal Law course. To date, students have worked to revise outdated animal control ordinances, to establish non-profit animal welfare organizations, and to assist prosecutors handling cruelty prosecutions, among other projects.