ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the legal regulation of technology. It examines three technological areas which have been subjected to legal regulation: human fertilisation and embryology; the manufacture and distribution of chemicals; and the disposal of hazardous waste. The chapter also focuses on managing the frequent tension between public and expert opinion. It explores the tension via an analysis of three distinct regulatory regimes. These regimes have been chosen as they each have different structures and legislative underpinnings: the United Kingdom (UK) domestic law, European Union (EU) law and international law. The chapter examines the role public participation plays in legal regulation in general, and the tension between this objective and considerations of resource and expertise. It outlines why public participation has been deemed a principle of good regulation and explains the tension between this objective and considerations of resource and expertise.