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LAW 1081: Innovation Law & Policy
Fall 2024 • Section 21 • CRN 42721

Course offerings for are still tentative. The information below is subject to change.

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.


Schedule

Day/Time Location
W 4:00-5:50 PM Barrack 205

Course Details

Instructor
  • Denene Wambach
Credit Hours

3 Credits

Seats/Capacity

18

Course Type
  • Writing
Course Modality

Classroom

Fulfills J.D. Requirement
  • Writing Serial
Programs

None

Registration Info

Pre-Requisites

You must have completed the following courses before enrolling in this course:

  • LAW 0547 (Introduction to Intellectual Property)

Book List/Materials