Law, Science & Technology

SLN #: 82652
Course Prefix: LAW-703
Course Section: 001
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor(s): Marchant;Cardineau
Course Books: View List of Books

Course Description:
Nearly every field in the practice of law now involves some interaction between law and science and technology -- whether it be litigation, administrative law, environmental law, constitutional law, telecommunications law, health law, corporate law, employment law, contract law, property law and many others. Lawyers who are knowledgeable and comfortable in dealing with the scientific and technological aspects underlying many legal issues are in great demand at law firms, companies, government agencies and other providers of legal services. This survey course is intended to provide the student with an introduction to the various ways in which the legal system interacts with science and technology, and the skills and knowledge necessary to address such issues. The course will examine the interactions and conflicts between law and science using a series of illustrative case studies addressing current issues such as the internet, cloning, air pollution, the Daubert standard for admission of scientific evidence, tobacco research, the Microsoft antitrust case, electric vehicles, digital copyright, genetically modified foods, nanotechnology, anti-terrorism technology, global warming and privacy. No special background or expertise in science or technology is required to benefit from this course. Students can elect to take a take-home exam or write a research paper (20-30 pp.) for the course. This course qualifies as a “core course” for the LS&I Certificate program.

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 3
Grading Option: Letter Grade Only
Graduation Writing Requirement: Yes, With Instructor's Approval*
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: Yes, With Instructor's Approval*
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Note: Only one of the above listed requirements can be fulfilled with this course.
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: No
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: Optional
Final Exam Type: Take-Home
Mid Term Or Other Exam: Students can choose to complete a research paper or take-home final exam.
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.