LAWG 583. Public Health Law and Policy.

Definition and foundations of public health law. Introduction to public health methods regarding risk assessment, causation and the precautionary principle, and their interaction with legal norms. Examination of the powers and duties of the state to protect population health as well as the limits to state interventions pursuing the common good. Consideration of tools available to public health policy-makers, including nudging, regulation, prohibition, and litigation. Contemplation of the effectiveness of the criminal law and of private law in furthering public health goals. Analysis of specific case studies in public health law (e.g., infectious disease control, pandemic management, nutrition, tobacco, cannabis).