This course examines how the law can be used to improve the public's health. The broad questions explored are: What authority does the government have to regulate in the interest of public health? How are individual rights balanced against this authority? What are the benefits and pitfalls of using laws and litigation to achieve public health goals? We will investigate these questions in a range of specific contexts, including controlling infectious diseases, preventing obesity, reducing tobacco use, promoting health equity, reducing firearm injuries, and responding to public health emergencies like COVID-LAW 19. In examining these contexts, we will ask and answer questions such as, what do the Constitution and key statutes permit? What makes a good public health law? Where do we see success stories and failures in public health law? What ethical and economic arguments justify government intervention to shape individuals' and companies' health-related behaviors? Instruction is through interactive lectures with a significant amount of class discussion. Class Participation, Final Exam. The class is limited to LAW 40 students. Law students (including 1Ls) and graduate and professional students from other departments and schools are welcome to apply. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available from the SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Cross-listed with Health Research & Policy (HRP 237).
3 units · Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
This course examines how the law can be used to improve the public's health. The broad questions explored are: What authority does the government have to regulate in the interest of public health? How are individual rights balanced against this authority? What are the benefits and pitfalls of using laws and litigation to achieve public health goals? We will investigate these questions in a range of specific contexts, including controlling infectious diseases, preventing obesity, reducing tobacco use, promoting health equity, reducing firearm injuries, and responding to public health emergencies like COVID-19. In examining these contexts, we will ask and answer questions such as, what do the Constitution and key statutes permit? What makes a good public health law? Where do we see success stories and failures in public health law? What ethical and economic arguments justify government intervention to shape individuals' and companies' health-related behaviors? Instruction is through interactive lectures with a significant amount of class discussion. Class Participation, Final Exam. The class is limited to 40 students. Law students (including 1Ls) and graduate and professional students from other departments and schools are welcome to apply. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available from the SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Cross-listed with Health Research & Policy (HRP 237).
Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.