Health Scholars Legal Initiative

Connecting public health scholarship and expertise with the courts, policymakers, and the public on matters of national significance.

What We Do

Bringing Public Health to the Courts

Since 2011, GW faculty and staff have collaborated with outside counsel to develop amicus – or “friend of the court” – briefs on behalf of the public health and health policy community. These briefs, which typically focus on the population and patient health impact of key cases, are an opportunity for public health deans and scholars to speak directly to the courts on matters of national significance. Our briefs have been cited by the courts, litigants, and the media.

Informing Public Policy

The Project also submits public comments to federal agencies on behalf of public health deans and scholars to inform significant health care and health care policies, including health care regulations and Medicaid state demonstrations.

Translating Law & Policy

Our team works to translate critical legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments into clear written analyses accessible to a broad public readership. Our work has been featured in publications, such as Health Affairs Forefront, the Commonwealth Fund’s To the Point blog, and elsewhere.

Explore Our Work

Explore the Project’s briefs, public comments, and written analyses on critical health law and policy issues.

Legal Advocacy

Meet the Project Team

Learn more about the faculty, scholars, and staff advancing the Project’s work.

Meet the Team →

Join Our Sign-On Lists

If you are a Dean, Chair, or Scholar and are interested in joining our sign-on lists, please email [email protected].