Topic:  Autonomous Agents
Faculty Sponsor:  Gary Marchant

A number of computerized products with artificial intelligence capabilities that can make autonomous decisions are now entering the market. These include robotic, motor vehicle, software programs, surveillance systems, and "smart home" technologies. This project will examine the legal issues (e.g., regulation, privacy, liability) associated with such technologies.

Topic:  Biofuels
Faculty Sponsor:  Sandy Askland

A practical question coordinated with Brad Biddle: Intel is interested in capturing CO2 emissions from its Ocotillo facility to feed algae. One question is the science and technology of that capture and use (which is not the focus of the cluster). A second question is whether credits are available for this capture. That policy question has two parts, whether credits are, in fact, available and whether credits should be available. In either case, how should credits be measured, e.g., there is loss to the atmosphere when the CO2 is applied to the algae and there is loss when algae is consumed as fuel (though that consumption displaces worse fuels). So, though Intel would prefer a certain answer, the cluster would serve as an honest broker to gather information and pose policy questions about the availability of credits for CO2 used to promote algae growth.

Topic:  Breast Cancer Genetics
Faculty Sponsor:  Gary Marchant

In recent years, a number of genetic markers affecting susceptibility to or prognosis for breast cancer have been discovered, and are now entering clinical practice.  This project will examine the liability potential for physicians and other health care professionals associating with utilizing or not utilizing these new genetic markers for breast cancer patients.

Topic:  Defining Nanotechnology
Faculty Sponsor:  Gary Marchant

There are growing demands and pressure for regulating the safety of "nanotechnology," yet no legally effective definition of nanotechnology exists. This project will look at the difficulties in coming up with an enforceable definition of nanotechnology, the impact of this difficulty in designing regulatory schemes for nanotechnology, and alternative options for regulating nanotechnology risks. 

Topic:  Global Legal Triage and Pandemic Threats
Faculty Sponsor:  James G. Hodge Jr.

Pursuant to a number of upcoming lectures and scholarly opportunities, this project will involve legal, public health, and policy research and writing on global legal perspectives concerning real-time responses to H1N1 influenza and other pandemic threats.

Topic:  Global Patenting and Nanotechnology
Faculty Sponsor:  Douglas Sylvester

This project will look at filings in the USPTO and EPO (and, perhaps, Japan) to determine whether nano-patents have a larger percentage of multiple inventors and multijurisdictional research than in prior technology revolutions.

Topic:  GPS and Privacy
Faculty Sponsor:  Gary Marchant

Global Positioning System (GPS) chips that allow the location of objects to be tracking are now present in a growing number of products, including most cars and cell phones. The location data produced by such devices are creating a whole series of privacy issues, from the police use of GPS to track or identify criminal suspects, and the use by employers to track their workers, to the use by citizens to track their children or spouses (including subsequent use in divorce proceedings). The federal and state governments are also considering requiring GPS tracking to record driving miles which will be used as an alternative to the gas tax.  This cluster group will explore these privacy issues.

Topic:  Manipulating Memory and Stress using Neuroscience
Faculty Sponsor:  Betsy Grey

Science is beginning to develop drugs to ameliorate or blunt the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in particular propranolol. In addition, other research suggests that we may be able isolate critical memory molecules, which has implications for trauma, addiction, and dementia. (See The New York Times, April 6, 2009, Page A1). These advances are exciting, but also deal with a fundamental basis of our identity.  What are the ethical and legal implications of these advances? For example, are these advances fundamentally different from more traditional ways of altering mental states? Are we entitled to certain memories? Could we require plaintiffs in emotional distress cases to mitigate their damages through use of these drugs? 


Topic:  Mental and Behavioral Health Preparedness: Legal & Ethical Assessment
Faculty Sponsor:  James G. Hodge Jr.

With support from the CDC, I'm working presently on a comprehensive report on issues of law and ethics related to mental and behavioral health preparedness during national emergencies, specifically focused on generating national guidance on legal and ethical issues that arise in the delivery of mental health care services in public health emergencies on a national scale.

Topic:  Photo Radar
Faculty Sponsor:  Sandy Askland

There is widespread use of photo radar to control speed and enforce lights at intersections and to raise revenue. This technology is often operated by third parties, i.e., the police are outsourcing the deployment and management of this technology. What are the implications of enforcement of criminal laws by third parties whose motives are primarily profit oriented? Aside from these outsourcing complications, what are the implications of the enforcement of criminal laws with photo radar? Why don't we install GPS-enhanced event data recorders in every vehicle and monitor the vehicle's compliance with traffic rules at all times?

Topic:  Sustainable Energy Technologies
Faculty Sponsor:   Gary Marchant

There is a growing need and consensus on replacing fossil fuel energy sources with more sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. This project will identify and analyze various legal instruments and tools for promoting sustainable energy here in Arizona and at the national level.

To enroll, contact Andrew Askland at Sandy.Askland@asu.edu or call 480.965.2465.