LAW 1081: Innovation Law & Policy
Fall 2023 • Section 21 • CRN 42721

Course Description

This course will examine how law and policy affect, and are affected by, innovation and scientific/technological advancement. To understand the relationship between law, policy, and innovation, we will focus on several ways in which innovation, law and policy interact with one another. This course will begin by reviewing certain laws and policies that were developed to promote innovation and technological development. After developing an understanding of certain laws and policies designed to promote innovation, this course will expose students to issues that arise when practicing law in, and providing legal support to, programs and industries that relate to life sciences, biotechnology, gene therapy, as well as translational research and development. Then, students will be presented with, and asked to examine critically, certain laws and policies designed to control how research and innovation is conducted in order to maximize safety and protect the human interests involved. Students will be asked to think about whether these existing laws and regulations have their intended effect or should be changed, given how quickly science and technology is advancing today. After students are exposed to ways in which law and policy affect innovation, this course will pivot to question whether law and policy should rely on, change, or adapt to account for what is learned through innovation and scientific research. To that end, we will take a look at cases, rules, and legal concepts that appear to have been impacted by new technologies developed through innovation. Then, we will consider whether there are risks to allowing innovation to shape law and legal process. For example, we will think about whether doing so could potentially undermine current conceptions of autonomy, civil liberty, theories of justice, etc.

Book List/Materials