Worldwide health law

Global health law is an emerging field that addresses the health challenges associated with globalization and population growth. Global health law encompasses “international health law” but also extends beyond it in three important ways. First, whereas international health law focuses primarily on health-specific agreements, global health law examines a wider array of laws that affect but are not necessarily focused on health, such as laws governing trade, intellectual property, national security, human rights, and environmental protection.

Second, whereas international health law focuses on agreements among nation-states that attempt to influence governmental behavior, global health law also addresses the legal rights and obligations of nongovernmental actors such as corporations, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals. Finally, whereas international health law focuses on international agreements, global health law also considers the impact that countries’ national and local laws have on global health. Thus, global health law breaks down many of the traditional distinctions that define international health law and, thereby, reflects the complexity of the health threats the world faces today. The Washington College of Law curriculum includes several courses designed to help students understand these threats and the unique legal and policy challenges they present.