Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject provides a framework for understanding the role and impact of law in areas of concern in bioethics, and considers how ethical and social debate can affect the process of law reform. This is done by focusing initially on views about what values the state ought to be committed to, and the justifiable limits on legislative intervention. This will be followed by an examination of the current law and legal approach to areas of bioethical concern, such as abortion, prenatal diagnosis, IVF, embryo experimentation, informed consent, confidentiality, and euthanasia. The process of legal change and development and its relationship to scientific advances and ethical debate will also be discussed.
Assessment Essay (2000 words): 20% + Essay (2000 words): 20% + Advocacy exercise (1500 words): 10% + Take-home exam (3000 words): 40% + Research paper proposal: (500 words): 10%