Williams College Law Society
Spring 2013 Space Law Seminar Proposal
Intro
The Williams College Law Society is organizing and hosting a seminar on Space Law &
Policy in the spring of 2013. Co-hosted with the Departments of Political Science and
Astronomy/Astrophysics, this event will take place during the last part of the third week
of April.
Space Law is perhaps the most undefined field of law, but is also the fastest growing, and
perhaps on of the most important in the coming years, as technological advances
increase. At the nexus of relationships between space agencies, private companies,
governments, and various fields of law including environmental law, maritime law,
international law, contract law, cyber law, and others, the field of Space Law & Policy is
complex, and it is important to give people a perspective on this exciting field and career.
We are hoping to have a panel of speakers who will provide an introduction to the world
of Space Law, and delve into their own experiences, as well as the answers to various
questions such as
What is Space Law? Why is it important, and why should people care? What are
some of the current legal issues and developments in the field? How does it relate
to other areas of law? How is it growing, and becoming more
prominent/important? And what kinds of career opportunities are there, and how
can you become involved?
The format will be a panel discussion, with a moderator, and possibly questions from the
audience either at the end, or during the forum after certain segments. The location of this
event will either be in Griffin, or in the Science Quad. The estimated time frame is the
third week of April 2013 (Preferably the 18th, 19th, or 20th). The estimated expenses are
$4,460 providing transportation and lodging for the speakers as well as a dinner for them.
This event is not only for the Williams College student body but will be publicized to all
members of the Williams community, and the Williamstown area, as well as nearby
colleges and legal organizations.
Speakers & Agenda
 Professor Henry Hertzfeld (Elliott School of International Affairs, Space Policy
Institute, George Washington University) April 18th-preferred date
 Professor Joanne Gabrynowicz (Director, National Center for Remote Sensing,
Air, and Space Law, University of Mississippi School of Law) April 19thpreferred date
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International Law Practice Group, Office of the General Counsel, NASA
Headquarters (sending an attorney from the D.C. area)-Contact Person-Michael
Schlabs
Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications LLM, University of Nebraska
College of Law (sending an alum from the Washington, D.C. area)-Contact
Person-Elsbeth Magilton
Introduction
United State Space Law & Policy
o President Obama’s National Space Policy Directive (June 28th, 2010)
International Space Law & Policy
o United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space treaties
o The Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in
the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space (1963)
o The Principles Governing the Use by States of Artificial Earth Satellites
for International Direct Television Broadcasting (1982)
o The Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space
(1986)
o The Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer
Space (1992)
o The Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use
of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, Taking into
Particular Account the Needs of Developing Countries (1996)
o 1998 International Space Station Agreement
o United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Governmental/Public Interactions
Private/Commercial Interactions
Education/Careers
Finance
$600 (Airline Ticket from Jackson, MS to Albany, NY)
$230 (Airline Ticket from Washington, DC to Albany, NY)
$230 (Airline Ticket from Washington, DC to Albany, NY)
$230 (Airline Ticket from Washington, DC to Albany, NY)
$1,200 (Honorarium for four speakers)
$200 (Dinner for four speakers)
$1,000 (Williams Inn lodging for one night for each speakers)
$300 ($75 for rental car per person)
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$3,990
List of Organizations
 Astronomy Department
 Dean's Office
 College Council
 Political Science
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