INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ASPECTS OF RECOMBINANT DNA RESEARCH

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the international legal aspects of recombinant DNA research. An increasing international exploration of technologies such as nuclear power, weather modification, pesticides, drugs, and other chemicals give rise to international responsibility to create a legal regime that will at the same time maximize and disseminate benefits from the research, assess and minimize risks associated with it, and handle disputes about liability for damages resulting from it. The development of genetic engineering, including recombinant DNA techniques, presents instance of technology that raises international legal and political issues. A major international issue is whether and how to harmonize the provisions of the various national guidelines. Harmonization may be essential both for the protection of society and for scientists, who may fear that whether they will be the first to make a scientific breakthrough that will depend upon where their laboratory is located. The lack of harmonization could induce some companies to shop for the country with the fewest and least expensive restrictions, at the expense of protection to the international community.