Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Zucker

LL.M Seminar 2004 (cross-listed) | 2 credit hours

This course will provide students with an opportunity to better understand the emerging issues of biosecurity and the law. With the rise in globalization, increased threats of terrorism, sophisticated advances in biotechnology, and complexities of international agreements, issues of biosecurity law have become central to public policy issues. Whether smallpox virus destruction, avian and swine flu pandemics, anthrax crises, or international health regulations legal issues are paramount to the evolving debate on these topics of global concern. Following an introduction to the topics, the course will tackle one key question each week, looking at the argument from both perspectives. By way of examples, “should the smallpox virus be eliminated?” “can international organizations legally mandate public health policy despite national interests in the event of a pandemic?” and “to what extent can personal liberties be infringed upon to protect against bioterrorism?” Despite a very dedicated and intelligent medical and public health community, the success of most biosecurity issues require specific legal instruments to implement necessary change. To foster lively discussion, case scenarios will be central to lectures, with students occasionally playing roles of leaders in various non-governmental organizations, governments, and corporations. On occasion, guest lecturers with specific expertise in bioterrorism will add to the energetic conversation between students. Students will review documents presented to national leaders, legislation before Congress, and resolutions before the World Health Assembly. By the end of the semester, students will have a fine grasp on the complex legal issues related to biosecurity and be equipped to engage with experts in future dialogues on this subject.