Courses

    This course is intended to provoke thought and legal and ethical debate over pressing public policy issues surrounding the major health problems facing America— e.g., infectious diseases, smoking, violence, injuries, and the environment. First, the course will examine the foundations of public health law in America. This section will discuss the powers and duties of government to assure the conditions for a healthy population. Second, the course will examine the conflicts between public health and civil liberties. For example, the course will probe conflicts between: (1) injury and disease surveillance and privacy; (2) labeling and advertising restrictions and free expression; (3) personal control measures (e.g., screening, forced medical treatment and quarantine) and liberty; (4) commercial public health regulation and property rights. Finally, the course will examine the future of public health law in America. This "Future" includes a careful analysis of September 11, 2001 and the problem of bioterrorism. This course should be important for all students considering careers in health law as well as those simply interested in exploring and debating the state of public health in America. It is a particularly unique opportunity for students because of the CDC Collaborating Center on Law & the Public’s Health at Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities.