Human genetics is a rapidly evolving field in medicine. While the field holds great promise, it also creates special legal and ethical issues. This course will explore the legal and bioethical implications of genetic practice and research. Topics of discussion will include the application of ethical concepts in genetics (‘Genethics’); the nature of informed consent concerning genetic testing and genetic research, confidentiality and the duty to warn about genetic-related conditions; liability and risk management to avoid malpractice; individual and group privacy interests concerning identifiable genetic data; ethical analysis of public health initiatives (genetic screening, national repositories); insurance and employment discrimination based on genetic predispositions; sex selection; genetic and intellectual property issues, and a survey of cutting-edge genomic research.