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http://dx.doi.org/10.14407/jrpr.2016.41.1.015

Fundamental Rights Reflected by the Legislation Regarding Radiation and Nuclear Power  

Han, Eun Ok (Korea Academy of Nuclear Safety)
Lee, Jae Seong (Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety)
Cho, Hong Jea (Korea National Defense University)
Publication Information
Journal of Radiation Protection and Research / v.41, no.1, 2016 , pp. 15-29 More about this Journal
Abstract
Research background: Despite the visible growth in radiation usage and nuclear power development, the analysis of their relationship with fundamental rights, a subject of public concern regarding issues including the right to health, environmental rights, safety rights, the right to know, the right to development, and the right to life, is currently non-existent. Methods: By examining various fundamental rights in the context of positive laws regarding radiation and nuclear power in an idealistic perspective that guarantees the maximum degree of rights, this paper aims to propose legislative supplements that will lead to improvements in quality of life. Result and discussion: In the South Korean Constitution, radiation and nuclear power is a subject incorporating several rights, including at least 12 clauses that are directly related to fundamental rights; these constitutional rights are manifested in the various clauses of the 14 positive laws regarding radiation and nuclear power. The question on the relative importance of each fundamental right as reflected in these positive laws- whether the right to life should be prioritized or considered equal in weight to the right to health, environmental rights, the right to know, and safety rights- requires careful deliberation and is difficult to humanly resolve in the short term. Conclusion: Making policy that expands the usage of radiation and nuclear power while simultaneously preventing their associated risks is an important task for the Republic of Korea, and a proper value judgment is necessary to find a balance in its associated rights.
Keywords
Nuclear power; Radiation; Fundamental rights; Constitution; Right to life;
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