Ever wondered who rules the vast expanse of air and space extending for thousands of miles above the stratosphere?
This question has intrigued the human race for quite from some time...
Some other important areas which could be seen as a by-product of such a question include drone use, sustainability of space activities, militarisation of outer space, accident liability etc.
Such questions seem to literally have a black hole answer… something that exists but not quite definable. This is what makes this field of law all the more interesting. The answers are all there, but you need to tread across unchartered territory (almost like no-man’s territory) to find the answers.
Six reasons why Air & Space Law could be the path of study that you choose to specialise in include:
Unique Field
The unique scope of this field of law could be the much-needed drive you have been waiting for. Air & Space law is not offered at many universities, and the ones that do offer this course make sure that the best faculty is engaged and at the student’s disposal. Some universities that offer it include – Leiden University, McGill University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nebraska-Lincoln was one of the first universities in the United States to offer this course, and enrols only 8-10 students a year with some of them winning NASA scholarships.
Opens Gateways
Air & Space Law opens gateways – in terms of career – and although this choice of law seems quite specific, it is not necessarily restrictive. The career paths most chosen by those studying this field include working in internationally operating law firms, civil aviation, telecommunications organisations and governmental organisations.
Heaven & Earth
This course is not just what happens in space, it also grapples with legal conundrums here on Earth. Not everything pertains to the outside space, students on this course will also deal with things such as technological advancements in quickly-evolving fields like remote sensing and telecommunications.
Final Frontier
Space colonisation could actually be the real deal! Space law covers some more “far out” legal questions, such as the legality of mining projects on the moon or asteroids, or sending people on one-way missions to colonise Mars. This could soon be a reality and if you want to be at the cutting edge of the future you need to strike the iron while it is hot.
Internship Opportunities
Air & Space Law garners some of the most number of internships and scholarships, such as the NASA internships offered to the students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. One of the reasons for this is that students are less, which makes it easy to distribute internships or fellowships. Hands-on experience makes this an even more engaging field and most of the universities that offer it have a compulsory 6-8 month internship as part of the course. This really engages the students and helps them truly understand the depth of this field.
Dynamic Nature
This is one aspect of law that definitely has ever-changing proportions. The continuous changes, new developments in both, technology and law are enough to keep a student/intern on their feet, both physically and mentally. Air & Space Law is one of those fields that has not been completely explored, and there is restrictive ‘space’ in terms of seats available, which means that getting accepted on the program in the first place shows you have the grit required to do this course.
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LLM (Master of Laws) in Air & Space Law
Fidelis mhakilicha Aug. 21, 2018, 6:03 p.m.
Kindly reference is made in above program;
I'm holder of LLM in law in trade and finance but I would like to apply for LLin air and Space law. So if you can assist me I will be fulfilling my dream.
Best Regards yours.
Fidelis Mhakilicha