LAW 0954:
Public Health Law (Can be taken concurrently with Empirical Legal Research Methods)
Spring 2026 • Section 22
Course offerings for are still tentative. The information below is subject to change.
Course Description
This course surveys the broad terrain of law and the public's health. It covers both the "laws on the books" and the problems of actually implementing these laws in the often highly politicized and culturally sensitive context of health and behavior. Topics include the basic powers, duties and limitations of state health authorities in the United States; the epidemiological influence of law on health and health behavior; the global system of health governance; and the application of a human rights framework to health issues. Health topic areas covered include communicable diseases (HIV, SARS, emerging infections), tobacco, substance abuse, chronic diseases and infections. We will also devote considerable time to reading about and discussing how health is "socially constructed" and how stigma, economic self-interest and other cultural responses to disease complicate efforts to promote public health.Students will write a research paper of significant length. Both Law students and students seeking a Masters in Public Health will participate in the course.
Schedule
| Day/Time | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| M 4:00-5:50 PM | TBA | Every other week starting the first week of the semester (7 in-person meetings). |
| M 4:00-5:50 PM | TBA | Plus 7 weeks of asynchronous assignments during the weeks class does not meet in person |
Registration Info
Registration Notes
This course is offered as a "hybrid" course. Most students take it as an exam course (2 credits). A limited number of students may take it as a writing seminar (this 3 credit version will count toward the Public Health Law Certificate.) Request course number 0631 to take this course as an exam course. Register with course number 0954 to take this course as a 3cr writing seminar (CRN 48080). This course is designed to allow simultaneous enrollment in Empirical Legal Research Methods. NOTE: This will be one of four courses offered in collaboration with the College of Public Health as the basis for a Certificate in Public Health Law (pending approval). The Public Health Law Research Certificate (12 credits) include Empirical Legal Research Methods (JUDO 5058) and Public Health Law (JUDO 0954) offered by the Law School - and two courses from the College of Public Health, Biostatistics (EPBI 5002) and Public Health Research Project (HPM 9991). Over the four course set, students will learn to conceptualize, design and conduct an evaluation research project. You must arrange your HPM 9991 under the direction of an appropriate graduate faculty member in CPH. JD students who do not wish to earn the Certificate will still be able to take the two law school courses, as part of the normal JD curriculum. Please contact kelly.butts@temple.edu with any registration issue preventing you from enrolling.
Equivalent Courses
You may not register for this course if you are enrolled in or have already taken the following:
- LAW 0631 (Public Health Law (Can be taken concurrently with Empirical Legal Research Methods))
Book List/Materials
Materials To Be Announced