Ma Yong, Zhang Xiaolin
School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, No. 7166 Baotong West Street, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China.
Heliyon. 2024 Jul 17;10(14):e34777. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34777. eCollection 2024 Jul 30.
This study addresses the complexities of applying criminal law during public health emergencies, particularly under the shadow of scientific uncertainty, and explores the challenge of balancing public health protection with individual rights. The primary aim is to dissect the application of criminal law in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, focusing on the impact of scientific uncertainty on legal decision-making and the efficacy of criminal law interventions in public health crises. This study utilized a doctrinal method combined with case studies, integrating theoretical frameworks on risk and uncertainty with an analysis of China's legal responses to COVID-19. It involved assessing legislative and policy documents alongside judicial decisions, focusing on their alignment with evolving scientific understanding and public health strategies. The study reveals significant hurdles, including the limitations of empirical rules in judicial judgments, the emergence of technocratic bureaucracy, and the complexities surrounding risk mitigation and legal attribution under uncertain conditions. It highlights the inadequacy of traditional criminal law mechanisms to respond dynamically to the evolving landscape of public health emergencies. To address these challenges, the study recommends the development of temporary criminal legislation tailored to public health emergencies, the adoption of risk-based criminal law approaches, and the refinement of individualized risk assessment procedures. These measures aim to provide a more flexible and effective legal framework capable of safeguarding public health while ensuring the protection of individual liberties during crises.
本研究探讨了在突发公共卫生事件期间适用刑法的复杂性，尤其是在科学不确定性的阴影下，并探讨了平衡公共卫生保护与个人权利的挑战。主要目的是剖析中国在新冠疫情背景下刑法的适用情况，重点关注科学不确定性对法律决策的影响以及刑法干预在公共卫生危机中的效力。本研究采用了教义学方法并结合案例研究，将风险与不确定性的理论框架与对中国应对新冠疫情的法律措施的分析相结合。研究涉及评估立法和政策文件以及司法判决，重点关注它们与不断演变的科学认识和公共卫生战略的一致性。研究揭示了重大障碍，包括司法判决中经验法则的局限性、技术官僚体制的出现以及在不确定条件下围绕风险缓解和法律归因的复杂性。研究强调传统刑法机制在动态应对不断演变的突发公共卫生事件方面的不足。为应对这些挑战，研究建议制定针对突发公共卫生事件的临时刑事立法，采用基于风险的刑法方法，并完善个性化风险评估程序。这些措施旨在提供一个更灵活有效的法律框架，既能在危机期间保障公共卫生，又能确保保护个人自由。
