J.S.D. in International Water Resources Law
While predictions of "water wars" in the 21st century are probably exaggerations, it is clear that a growing number of countries will experience water shortages and conflicts over shared water resources will increase in the coming decades. The amount of fresh water on Earth is finite, but the human population continues to grow, creating more potential for conflict and a greater need for qualified international water lawyers.
A J.S.D., or Doctor of Juridical Science is, in effect, legal education's counterpart to the Ph.D. Those who have already earned an LL.M. and wish to do intensive, in-depth work in the law of international freshwater resources, normally over a period of several years, should apply for the J.S.D.
Explore a J.S.D. in International Water Resources
Why Pacific McGeorge?
- Location — The Global Center for Business & Development offers a wide range of advantages and opportunities to students pursuing their J.S.D. degrees. Students are able to take maximum advantage of its prime location directly in the heart of the government of the nation's largest state. Students study in sunny Sacramento, on a modern, safe, self-enclosed campus, only minutes away from the state of California's Capitol Building.
- Influential — The Pacific McGeorge International Law program was ranked No. 17 by U.S. News & World Report in 2012, tied with Northwestern, UCLA, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Pennsylvania.
As the state Capital, Sacramento is where California's legislators, regulators, and civic leaders debate and decide the complex, and often controversial, policy issues affecting the state's water resources. The leading water resources lawyers in the country advocate in Sacramento for their public and private sector clients, whether in legislative, administrative, judicial, or collaborative processes. California blends both appropriative water rights (the system predominant west of the Mississippi River) with riparian rights (the system used east of the Mississippi) making the state an appealing place to study all aspects of water resources law. Whether you come from or want to practice outside of California, you'll find familiar elements in our legal system.
Called the "River City" by locals, Sacramento sits at the confluence of the American and the Sacramento Rivers. Sacramento is where the state's engineers operate the dams, pumps and aqueducts that collectively form the world's largest water supply system. Sacramento offers many opportunities for first-hand observation and exploration of unique natural history and outstanding feats of civil engineering.
Before being tamed by dams, dikes, and bypasses, the Sacramento River was the fourth largest river, by volume, in the United States. The Sacramento River serves in the delivery of the waters that give life to cities and farms throughout the state. It is the main source of water for one of the ecologically most important estuaries in all of North America: the Delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. Located minutes from the City of Sacramento, the Delta is California's water crossroads. From here, water is pumped to rich Central Valley farms and sprawling Southern California cities; and water flows through thousands of miles of channels and islands before heading to the San Francisco Bay.
Foreign Student Assistance
Students from countries other than the United States join a community of approximately 50 foreign law students studying on the Pacific McGeorge campus, and receive special assistance with course selection, class success, and adjusting to student life in the United States.
Questions?
Contact Stephen McCaffrey, Director of Water Resources Law, International Track
Email | 916.739.7179
