Genetics and Law

Catalog description

The current federal Human Genome Project is attempting to understand the health and behavioral implications of the 50,000 to 100,000 genes in the human body. Genetic tests are being offered to let people know if they are at risk of having a child with a genetic defect or if they will later in life suffer from cancer or other disease. Genetic predispositions are also being investigated for certain behaviors such as gay sexual preference, intelligence, and anti-social behavior. This course will cover the tort law, family law, constitutional law, criminal law, employment law, and insurance implications of developments in genetics.