702 Biometrics, Surveillance, and Policy Governance

This seminar examines how biometric technologies—such as facial recognition, digital identity systems, and behavioral prediction algorithms—are reshaping governance, security frameworks, and civil liberties. Students will explore the technical foundations of these systems while analyzing the legal, ethical, and policy challenges they present across public and private sectors. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating technical understanding with legal doctrine and policy analysis. We investigate how different governance frameworks attempt to balance innovation, security, privacy, and equity when regulating technologies that capture, analyze, and act upon human biological and behavioral characteristics. Through case studies spanning national security, public services, criminal justice, and commercial applications, students will develop the analytical tools to craft governance solutions that address the unique challenges posed by biometric systems in democratic societies.

Course Areas of Practice
  • Administrative and Regulatory Law
  • Intellectual Property, Science, and Technology Law
Evaluation Methods
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 5-10 pages
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 15-20 pages
  • Class participation
Degree Requirements
JD SRWP with add-on credit
IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
IntlLLM writing
IntllLLM IP Cert
PIPS elective
Course Type
  • Seminar
Learning Outcomes
  • Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law

Fall 2025

2025
Course Number Course Credits Evaluation Method Instructor

702.01 2
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 5-10 pages
  • Research and/or analytical paper(s), 15-20 pages
  • Class participation
Nita A. Farahany

This seminar examines how biometric technologies—such as facial recognition, digital identity systems, and behavioral prediction algorithms—are reshaping governance, security frameworks, and civil liberties. Students will explore the technical foundations of these systems while analyzing the legal, ethical, and policy challenges they present across public and private sectors. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating technical understanding with legal doctrine and policy analysis. We investigate how different governance frameworks attempt to balance innovation, security, privacy, and equity when regulating technologies that capture, analyze, and act upon human biological and behavioral characteristics. Through case studies spanning national security, public services, criminal justice, and commercial applications, students will develop the analytical tools to craft governance solutions that address the unique challenges posed by biometric systems in democratic societies.

Grading Basis: Graded

Pre/Co-requisites
None

*Please note that this information is for planning purposes only, and should not be relied upon for the schedule for a given semester. Faculty leaves and sabbaticals, as well as other curriculum considerations, will sometimes affect when a course may be offered.