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This case study focuses on the intersection of defining a scientific species and defining a legal species. The compelling story of Lolita, an orca whale in captivity, is used to highlight the legal significance of species declaration. Students will work through scientific species definitions and data on Orca whales before deciding if Orca whales should be considered as one or several species. After an introduction to Lolita and a mock town hall meeting, students are thrown into the real life situation of contemplating the fate of an Orca in captivity that suddenly has protected legal status. This case was developed for use in a first-year biology course focusing on ecology, genetics, and evolution. It also could be used in upper or lower division courses on ecology, evolution, or conservation.

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) of Genetic Knowledge includes a short multimedia video introducing current and future societal issues associated with genetics and genomics. Short vignettes, containing a set of discussion questions, are provided to raise important ethical, legal or social issues.

We went to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office to get the lowdown on the CRISPR gene-editing patent dispute. Read C&EN's coverage here:

"Bioethics is the study of ethical, legal, and social issues raised by advances in biology and medicine. Bioethics addresses a range of controversial topics, including privacy and fairness in the use of genetic information, integration of new technologies, such as genetic testing, into medical practice, and the design and conduct of research studies and clinical trials.  "