Public Health Law
Academics
Public Health Law - LAWN625
2 CreditsThis course introduces students to federal, state, and local laws that govern public health issues and the ways in which recent public health crises are pushing the boundaries of this legal framework. It will examine in depth the laws that attempt to keep the public healthy and safe from contagious diseases such as COVID-19; drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping; gun violence; obesity; environmental hazards; and dangerous workplace practices—among other potential health risks. The course will interrogate how courts evaluate risks to popu-lation health and balance them against potential harm to the economy, individual liberties, and social justice. Students will also consider data from studies and presentations of public health issues in the media. Topics addressed will include ethical considerations, how to define a legal right to health (to the extent one exists), and when the focus should be on the whole population or a particular group within that population instead of the individual. The course does not have a prerequisite but is designed to complement the other offerings in health law. Students will have the option of writing a paper which may satisfy the Advanced Writing Requirement.