Science and technology studies

This chapter highlights the contributions of the science and technology studies (STS) perspective to the study of the relationship between health, science and law. The chapter begins with an introduction to STS as a multidisciplinary approach. We then present different ways in which the relationship between health and law have been characterised, particularly in terms of the ‘law lag’, and the STS concept of ‘co-production’. The chapter concludes by drawing on a case study of the recent UK legalisation of mitochondrial donation to explore these relationships. Overall, this chapter emphasises how STS perspectives and a particular approach to knowledge can contribute to a greater understanding of law and society, and its future.