Peculiarities of Legal Relations in Genomics

Abstract

The intertwining of technological manipulations of the human genome with other contemporary developments in biological science, medicine and law results in the need for adequate legal regulation of these areas. The article considers the development of legal relations in genomics within a humanistic biosocial and political-legal framework. Genomic legal relations are shown to gradually acquire a norm-referenced nature inherent in the present stage of biosocial development. Important current questions in humanistic thought include freedom of choice, protection of human dignity, and the development of awareness in the use of modern medical achievements. Due to the need to consider biomedical technologies, including cloning, the use of stem cells, euthanasia, and genetic profile of a person, contemporary biojurisprudence is fast becoming a cutting-edge field in the development of legal understanding.