Government should not regulate scientific research?

The government should not regulate scientific research.
Describe a specific situation in which the government should regulate scientific research. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the government should regulate scientific research.
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Part of what has helped push the United States to the forefront is its leadership in innovation and research. In this democratic nation, citizens are encouraged to break scientific boundaries and pursue interests that improve the quality of human life. Regulation of scientific research by the government should be minimized in order to foster the spirit of innovation that defines America. However, some regulations are necessary in order to ensure public safety and national security.

One may view attempts at government regulation of scientific research with a skeptical eye due to the ubiquitous influence of special interests. Laws and regulations of the United States are sometimes proposed and passed as a result of lobbying efforts by powerful interest groups. These groups may not represent the best interest of the American public and they often can buy the votes of lawmakers who create policy and regulations. Some scientists may find themselves unable to move forward with research due to regulations pushed forward by these special interests groups. Indeed, it is important to evaluate the purpose of proposed regulations created by groups that do not necessarily represent the public interest.

Regulating scientific research may also pose constitutional questions. A government's attempt at limiting research might infringe on a scientist's first amendment rights in certain circumstances. For example, the government may be acting improperly if it is trying to prohibit the growth of knowledge in an area of research. As alluded to in the previous paragraph, government officials may be receiving support from private industries and therefore represent their interests in pushing forward (or preventing) regulations.

The government is responsible for protecting the public and therefore, needs to set basic regulations on scientific research. For instance, vulnerable citizens should be protected from being used as human guinea pigs and certain guidelines exist to ensure that these people are aware of their rights. Scientists also may not conduct research in a way that causes environmental degradation. While the research itself may not cause any harm, the government might have a right to prevent projects that pose potential threats to the public.

There are several scientific areas that have been subject to controversy---among those include stem-cell research, genetically modified foods, and in vitro sex selection. The public has various opinions on how involved the government should be in regulating and funding such research. In the United States, citizens differ on the role of government and how far its power should extend. Most agree that the government should intervene in cases where scientific research pose an imminent threat to citizens. Its ability to regulate beyond that, however, may be questioned by citizens who believe in a "limited" government.