LAW AND BIOETHICS

DESCRIPTION

Students will read and discuss significant legal cases on issues such as reproductive technologies, assisted suicide, organ transplantation, the right to refuse treatment, human subjects research, the definition of death, confidentiality, and informed consent. A two-page written analysis of a question related to a case will be required for each session.

OBJECTIVES

1. Students will be able to summarize the facts, reasoning and holdings of court decisions related to bioethics.
   
2. Students will be able to compare the reasoning and holdings of various court decisions governing a bioethics law.
   
3. Students will be able to identify and summarize Constitutional provisions relevant to bioethics law.

EVALUATION

Students will be evaluated on the basis of their oral discussions and written analyses.

PREREQUISITES

• Student to contact course faculty TWO WEEKS before beginning elective.
• Successful completion of ALL third-year clerkships.
• MD/JD students are not eligible to enroll in this elective.