CIVIL INVESTIGATIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS IN LEGAL EDUCATION

In the teaching of Law, the study of practical cases gives prestige to the analysis of the content of judgments and decisions. However, in reality, there are complex legal problems that are not submitted to the Judiciary. Additionally, paradigm shifts between the late 20th century and the early 21st century, such as the recognition of diffuse and collective rights holders and the increase in extrajudicial techniques and methods of conflict resolution, demanded a new look toward legal education in times of complexity. Thus, we propose to analyze the extent to which civil inquiries can serve as the object of active and participatory methodologies capable of filling gaps and limitations that may exist in the study of judicial decisions in the teachings of Environmental Law. We assume that the interaction between civil investigations and active methodologies provides students with an opportunity for a broad and detailed analysis of the environmental issue complex. This is bibliographical and documentary research, with a qualitative approach. We conclude that the use of civil inquiries in the teachings of Environmental Law, with the use of active methodologies, benefits a protagonist formation of the student, in line with what the current legal system provides. Among them, “problem-based learning” stands out as one of the most fruitful for the study of extrajudicial procedures in question.