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Op-Ed – Dual-Use Research: Is it possible to protect the public without encroaching rights?
T. Tosin Fadeyi, Master’s Candidate, Biotechnology (Biodefense and Biosecurity Concentration), University of Maryland Read More »
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Book Review: Bioinsecurity and Vulnerability
Reviewed by T. Tosin Fadeyi Edited by Nancy N. Chen and Lesley A. Read More »
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Op-Ed – Microbial Forensic Attribution: Where Science Meets International Relations
Christopher A. Bidwell, JD, Senior Fellow for Nonproliferation Law and Policy, Federation of American Read More »
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Op-Ed – Science Needs for Microbial Forensics: Developing Initial International Research Priorities
Committee on Science Needs Microbial Forensics: Developing an Initial International Roadmap, Board on Read More »
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Op-Ed – A Necessary Biopreparedness Priority: Strengthening the Medical Countermeasures Enterprise
Christina England, Master’s Candidate, Security Policy, University of Maryland School of Public Policy; Read More »
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About Virtual Biosecurity Center
Legal Impediments to Surveillance for Biological Threats and Countering Terrorism
Abstract — The law observes jurisdictional boundaries as well as national and state boundaries, unlike biological agents. The threat of biological agents cannot be successfully controlled through surveillance technologies without removing the current impediments to a national public health approach. Public health law, traditionally and constitutionally a reserved power of the states, leaves our national defense as a combination of fifty, independently administered spheres of activity, designed by each state. However, the U.S. Constitution through a reading of The FederalistPapers, opens the door to a Congressional solution. The lack of coordination at the national level, coupled with the federalism issues has left us with no system at all.
Citation: Sutton, Legal Impediments to Surveillance for Biological Threats and Countering Terrorism, Selected paper presentation, BTR 2002 Proceedings, Unifed Science & Technology for Reducing Biological Threats & Countering Terrorism, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, The University of New Mexico and The University of Texas at Austin, Albuquerque, NM, March 15, 2002.
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