Fall 2026 Class Descriptions
Health Law & Bioethics (LWGC534)
Instructor(s): Dov Fox
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD)
This paper-writing class will explore a range of questions for medical ethics and the legal system: from public health and patient autonomy to medical conscience and experimental treatments. Students will obtain and apply knowledge of the course subject through legal analysis and research, as well as written and oral communication. No background in science or medicine is necessary.
Note: This course may be applied as part of the nine required credits for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Health Law Concentration
Health Law & Policy (LWGC523)
Instructor(s): Richard Barton
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Health Law (JD)
Health Law and Policy is a 3-unit course designed to introduce students to basic principles of health care law. The class will discuss legal principles surrounding the professional-patient relationship; informed consent; liability of health care professionals; liability of health care institutions; quality control regulation of physicians and health care institutions; access to health care; the privacy rights of patients and the ability of government to regulate patient health care choices. The goals of the course are for students to understand the role of the legal system in health policy and health care delivery; the application of basic tort, contract and corporate law principles in the health care environment; and to gain a practical understanding of the interaction between the health system and the legal system. The course will be taught in a seminar approach. Required Course material is The Law of American Healthcare (3rd ed) by Huberfeld et al (Aspen Publishing). The grade will be based on a research paper (that meets the USD Law scholarly writing requirement), your attendance, class participation, and professionalism.
Note: This is a required course for the Health Law Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Health Law Concentration