Natural Resource & Environment Symposium

The philosophy of the Natural Resource and Environment Symposium of the University of Idaho College of Law is to develop an atmosphere in which attendees develop a common vocabulary and understanding of a particular problem during the initial sessions of the symposium and through exchange of papers prior to the symposium, then build to a point of discussing new approaches and solutions to the problem. This atmosphere is fostered by limiting attendance, asking participants to stay for the entire symposium, and by providing protection for a free and open dialog. Free and open dialog is encouraged through use of the “Chatham House Rule” set forth below.

Chatham House Rule

The Chatham House Rule reads as follows:

"When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed".

The world-famous Chatham House Rule may be invoked at meetings to encourage openness and the sharing of information. The Chatham House Rule originated at Chatham House with the aim of providing anonymity to speakers and to encourage openness and the sharing of information. It is now used throughout the world as an aid to free discussion.