Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Title
Rescuing science from politics : regulation and the distortion of scientific research
Publication Date
2006
Abstract
From a legal perspective, this ideal of transparency is closely connected to other ideals: the predictability and legitimacy of the law, and the rule of law itself. If legal rules transparently govern the outcomes in particular cases, and if similar cases are decided similarly, then the law is more likely to be predictable and fair. Moreover, governmental institutions are less likely to abuse their powers. A major goal in founding the World Trade Organization (WTO) was to achieve predictability and legitimacy in the resolution of international trade disputes by requiring transparent reasoning for the findings of fact that resolve those disputes. When those findings are about the risks of harm posed by imported products, the WTO relies on scientific evidence and reasoning. And if transparent scientific reasoning can help make international trade law more predictable and fair, there would seem to be no harmful downside for science.
Recommended Citation
Vern R. Walker Ph.D.,
Transforming Science Into Law: Transparency and Default Reasoning in International Trade Disputes Rescuing science from politics : regulation and the distortion of scientific research 165
(2006)
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.hofstra.edu/faculty_scholarship/659
Comments
This chapter is from Rescuing science from politics : regulation and the distortion of scientific research edited by Wendy Wagner and Rena Steinzor