Law Education for Civil engineers

Abstract

As demanding the job of a civil engineer is, as challenging are the today’s legal requirements on construction projects. Nevertheless, there is widespread opinion that civil engineering is a profession where legal knowledge and skills are not necessary at all. But construction projects normally touch many different legal aspects, such as of civil and public construction law, neighbor law, environmental law, professional rules of engineers and sometimes criminal law as well. Of course, architects and construction managers are more involved in law related construction issues than a civil engineer is. However, also the civil engineers every day work live is influenced by diverse rules and regulations. A fundamental understanding of the home countries legal system, of legal relationships in construction projects as well as relevant law sources are necessary to avoid legal pitfalls that possibly can result in a financial or personal disadvantage.