The present article analyzes the ineffectiveness of the United Nations’ enforcement of biological warfare violations. After the Biological Warfare Convention (BWC) of 1972, little has been done to punish violations. This is in part to the failure of the BWC to implement an accountability system. Additionally, the sanctioning powers of the United Nations Security Council have been routinely stymied by the veto powers of the five permanent members (China, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, and France). To ensure countries abide by the BWC, a solution is needed regarding veto powers. This article proposes that the United States should pursue a United Nations amendment creating a narrow carve-out exception of the veto power in relation to biological warfare violations.
{"title":"The Urgent Need for a Carve Out Exception in the United Nations Security Council Veto Power","authors":"Kevin Johnson","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2007","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The present article analyzes the ineffectiveness of the United Nations’ enforcement of biological warfare violations. After the Biological Warfare Convention (BWC) of 1972, little has been done to punish violations. This is in part to the failure of the BWC to implement an accountability system. Additionally, the sanctioning powers of the United Nations Security Council have been routinely stymied by the veto powers of the five permanent members (China, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, and France). To ensure countries abide by the BWC, a solution is needed regarding veto powers. This article proposes that the United States should pursue a United Nations amendment creating a narrow carve-out exception of the veto power in relation to biological warfare violations.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"112 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141802153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) have made it illegal for States to develop or use certain chemical and biological weapons. However, these treaties are not all-encompassing. Many nations continue to develop and produce chemical and biological weapons. In 2002, as part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Pentagon released a proposal from an Air Force lab seeking permission to develop biologically based chemicals that would significantly alter human behavior. The premise of behavior-modifying chemicals in conflict situations raises concern, primarily if this technology is developed, how should it be regulated?
{"title":"Make Love Not War: The Possibility of Gaseous Hormones Against Civilians in Conflict Situations","authors":"Josephine Woytas","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) have made it illegal for States to develop or use certain chemical and biological weapons. However, these treaties are not all-encompassing. Many nations continue to develop and produce chemical and biological weapons. In 2002, as part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Pentagon released a proposal from an Air Force lab seeking permission to develop biologically based chemicals that would significantly alter human behavior. The premise of behavior-modifying chemicals in conflict situations raises concern, primarily if this technology is developed, how should it be regulated?","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":" 1141","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141669152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Genes are foundational to all organisms, yet their specific makeup is left to chance. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, allow scientists to manipulate the gene and rid it of disease-causing mutations. Recent advancements have rendered current authority inefficacious in ensuring biosecurity. Nations could create “designer diseases” to infect others while protecting their own. The use and access to genome editing technologies must be controlled to restrict their use as biological weapons.
{"title":"Threat of Biowarfare from Recent Genome Editing Advancements","authors":"Baylee Ballais","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2003","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Genes are foundational to all organisms, yet their specific makeup is left to chance. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, allow scientists to manipulate the gene and rid it of disease-causing mutations. Recent advancements have rendered current authority inefficacious in ensuring biosecurity. Nations could create “designer diseases” to infect others while protecting their own. The use and access to genome editing technologies must be controlled to restrict their use as biological weapons.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"23 s1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141687892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The present article investigates the connection between environmental justice and biosecurity. Environmental justice is simply the improvement of environmental conditions for vulnerable populations. Biosecurity is the field that implements different measures that have the intended purpose of preventing the introduction and/or spread of harmful pathogens. The author provides a quick history of the creation of environmental law and subsequently describes the event that occurred in Afton, North Carolina that led to the creation of the concept of environmental justice. Next, the author establishes a nexus between environmental justice and biosecurity through describing the biosecurity issues with laboratories located in Boston, Massachusetts (MS) and Galveston, Texas (TX). The author also discusses the Flint, Michigan water crisis to provide a clear picture of how poor environmental conditions contribute to the harmful spread of pathogens. Lastly, the author provides a possible solution of emphasizing safety measures to promote optimal environmental conditions for vulnerable populations which in turn will strengthen biosecurity.
{"title":"The Environment Can Save the Country: How Advancing Environmental Justice Can Improve Biosecurity","authors":"Benjamin Adeeso","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2024-2005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The present article investigates the connection between environmental justice and biosecurity. Environmental justice is simply the improvement of environmental conditions for vulnerable populations. Biosecurity is the field that implements different measures that have the intended purpose of preventing the introduction and/or spread of harmful pathogens. The author provides a quick history of the creation of environmental law and subsequently describes the event that occurred in Afton, North Carolina that led to the creation of the concept of environmental justice. Next, the author establishes a nexus between environmental justice and biosecurity through describing the biosecurity issues with laboratories located in Boston, Massachusetts (MS) and Galveston, Texas (TX). The author also discusses the Flint, Michigan water crisis to provide a clear picture of how poor environmental conditions contribute to the harmful spread of pathogens. Lastly, the author provides a possible solution of emphasizing safety measures to promote optimal environmental conditions for vulnerable populations which in turn will strengthen biosecurity.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"4 44","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141701160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract There is a growing interest in developing artificial intelligence (AI) weapon guidance systems in the military domain. Current guidance systems employ various methods to guide a weapon to its target. This target accuracy is a critical factor for its effectiveness. Artificial intelligence capabilities could enable these systems to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as identifying potential threats or targets on the battlefield while continually improving the system’s performance at its assigned task.
{"title":"International Humanitarian Law’s Impact on the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Weapon Guidance Systems","authors":"Danielle Munstedt","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0006","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract There is a growing interest in developing artificial intelligence (AI) weapon guidance systems in the military domain. Current guidance systems employ various methods to guide a weapon to its target. This target accuracy is a critical factor for its effectiveness. Artificial intelligence capabilities could enable these systems to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as identifying potential threats or targets on the battlefield while continually improving the system’s performance at its assigned task.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"32 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139527243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The English word “empathy” originally comes from the German word “Einfühlung,” which translates to “feeling into.” As defined by Merriam Webster, empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing feelings, thoughts, and experiences fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner. Often, the terms “sympathy” and “empathy” are used interchangeably. However, the two terms do have distinct meanings. Sympathy refers to the feeling of care and sharing of another’s difficulties, whereas empathy refers to placing yourself in someone else’s position and understanding that person’s point of view. In doing this, the empathetic person experiences the feelings of another. To an attorney, empathy provides numerous aids but also may contribute to several downfalls in the legal profession. This Comment will examine the impact of empathy on legal practitioners, assessing its influence on both compliance with legal standards and the mental well-being of attorneys.
{"title":"A Knife in the Heart or a Sword in the Courtroom: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Empathy in the Legal Field","authors":"Anna Rose Long","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0009","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The English word “empathy” originally comes from the German word “Einfühlung,” which translates to “feeling into.” As defined by Merriam Webster, empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing feelings, thoughts, and experiences fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner. Often, the terms “sympathy” and “empathy” are used interchangeably. However, the two terms do have distinct meanings. Sympathy refers to the feeling of care and sharing of another’s difficulties, whereas empathy refers to placing yourself in someone else’s position and understanding that person’s point of view. In doing this, the empathetic person experiences the feelings of another. To an attorney, empathy provides numerous aids but also may contribute to several downfalls in the legal profession. This Comment will examine the impact of empathy on legal practitioners, assessing its influence on both compliance with legal standards and the mental well-being of attorneys.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"7 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139438312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introduction to Volume XIV","authors":"Jared Williams","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-2001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-2001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"4 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139124900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Americans take great pride in their constitutional freedoms, especially the renowned First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (U.S. Const. amend. I) The free exercise of religion is safeguarded by the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause; yet, in the face of a public health crisis – how far does this protection extend? Moreover, does the Free Exercise Clause cover all Americans equally? In 2020, the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic began testing the limits of the First Amendment. President Joseph Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin mandated that all active and reserve military members take the newly developed COVID-19 vaccinations. Failing to comply would leave service members with no other option than to be dishonorably discharged from military service. This paper seeks to analyze the current case of thirty-five Navy SEALs who were denied religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccines, and examines the implications this has on First Amendment protections for military servicemembers.
{"title":"Military Vaccine Mandates: Thirty-Five Navy SEALs Believe Fighting for Religious Exemptions is A Shot Worth Taking","authors":"Madeleine Greene","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Americans take great pride in their constitutional freedoms, especially the renowned First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (U.S. Const. amend. I) The free exercise of religion is safeguarded by the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause; yet, in the face of a public health crisis – how far does this protection extend? Moreover, does the Free Exercise Clause cover all Americans equally? In 2020, the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic began testing the limits of the First Amendment. President Joseph Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin mandated that all active and reserve military members take the newly developed COVID-19 vaccinations. Failing to comply would leave service members with no other option than to be dishonorably discharged from military service. This paper seeks to analyze the current case of thirty-five Navy SEALs who were denied religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccines, and examines the implications this has on First Amendment protections for military servicemembers.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"86 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139127593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) represents a significant legislative step in protecting U.S. citizens from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. However, despite its broad preventive measures, GINA has limitations in scope and enforcement. Notably, it does not extend protections to life insurance, disability, and long-term care insurance, leaving U.S. citizens susceptible to genetic discrimination. State-level legislative efforts have tried to reconcile these vulnerabilities. Many state-level legislative efforts vary in effectiveness, with some states like Florida and Illinois enacting more robust laws. The future of genetic information protection requires an amendment to GINA or new federal legislation, drawing from successful state models to ensure adequate protections. This paper advocates for such national legislation, highlighting the minimal impact on the life insurance market and the importance of safeguarding genetic privacy to foster trust in genetic testing and scientific progress.
{"title":"Do Your Genes Fit: How Life Insurance Companies Discriminate Based on Genetic Test Results","authors":"Jared Williams","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) represents a significant legislative step in protecting U.S. citizens from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. However, despite its broad preventive measures, GINA has limitations in scope and enforcement. Notably, it does not extend protections to life insurance, disability, and long-term care insurance, leaving U.S. citizens susceptible to genetic discrimination. State-level legislative efforts have tried to reconcile these vulnerabilities. Many state-level legislative efforts vary in effectiveness, with some states like Florida and Illinois enacting more robust laws. The future of genetic information protection requires an amendment to GINA or new federal legislation, drawing from successful state models to ensure adequate protections. This paper advocates for such national legislation, highlighting the minimal impact on the life insurance market and the importance of safeguarding genetic privacy to foster trust in genetic testing and scientific progress.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"47 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139125513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Drug shortages are not a new phenomenon in the United States. Current policies and regulations can be improved to better utilize drug compounding facilities to ensure patient safety, provide practical standards for the interstate market, and focus on patient needs in the marketplace. Adjustments in regulation and incentives such as performance-based bonuses are necessary to encourage registration for 503B outsourcing facilities and address shortages for less profitable drugs. Diversity of drug supply sources is also of the utmost importance to secure the trade of essential medicines in times of drug shortages through a globally diverse supply chain along with a strong system for domestic drug manufacturing and compounding facilities.
{"title":"A Compounding Problem: Pharmaceutical Importation and Drug Production in the United States","authors":"Parker Stallings","doi":"10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jbbbl-2023-0007","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Drug shortages are not a new phenomenon in the United States. Current policies and regulations can be improved to better utilize drug compounding facilities to ensure patient safety, provide practical standards for the interstate market, and focus on patient needs in the marketplace. Adjustments in regulation and incentives such as performance-based bonuses are necessary to encourage registration for 503B outsourcing facilities and address shortages for less profitable drugs. Diversity of drug supply sources is also of the utmost importance to secure the trade of essential medicines in times of drug shortages through a globally diverse supply chain along with a strong system for domestic drug manufacturing and compounding facilities.","PeriodicalId":415930,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law","volume":"2 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138944394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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