Volume 31, Issue 1 (3-2024)
RJMS 2024, 31(1): 1-10 |
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Research code: 01
Ethics code: IR.IAU.SARI.REC.1403.266
Clinical trials code: 01
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Gheibi K, Pahlavani F, Shirazi M R. A Jurisprudential and Legal Examination of the Responsibilities of Natural Persons in the Transmission of Infectious Diseases, with a Focus on the New COVID-19 Variant (Eris). RJMS 2024; 31 (1) :1-10
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8560-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8560-en.html
Assistant Professor, Department of Fiqh and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Imam Khomeini Memorial Unit, Islamic Azad University, Shahreri, Tehran, Iran , fatemeoveysi1366@gmail.com
Abstract: (198 Views)
Background & Aims: The emergence and rapid spread of infectious diseases have consistently posed significant challenges to global health, societal norms, and legal frameworks. Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed the catastrophic consequences of pandemics, with COVID-19 standing out as one of the most disruptive in modern history. Its profound impact on public health, the economy, and everyday life has highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of individual responsibilities in preventing the transmission of such diseases. With the recent rise of the EG.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as "Eris," new layers of complexity have been added to the already intricate landscape of managing pandemics. This variant, characterized by increased transmissibility and immune evasion, raises pressing questions about the ethical and legal duties of individuals to mitigate harm to others. The Eris variant, a recent strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has emerged as a significant global concern due to its heightened transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. Identified as EG.5, it is part of the Omicron lineage, which has continued to evolve since the original COVID-19 pandemic. As the world had begun to adjust to the ongoing presence of COVID-19, the rapid spread of the Eris variant has brought renewed attention to the dynamics of viral mutations and their potential impact on public health strategies. The Eris variant has demonstrated a remarkable ability to spread quickly among populations, leading to a surge in cases across multiple countries. What sets Eris apart from previous variants is its ability to partially bypass the immunity that has been developed either through vaccination or previous infections. This poses a unique challenge in managing the ongoing pandemic, as it complicates efforts to achieve widespread immunity and control transmission. In light of these challenges, the Eris variant underscores the importance of continued vigilance in public health practices, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination. From an Islamic jurisprudential perspective, moral and legal principles are deeply intertwined, often emphasizing collective well-being and the prevention of harm ("lazarrar wa la dirar"). Similarly, contemporary legal systems impose varying degrees of accountability on individuals for behaviors that endanger public health. However, the practical implementation of these responsibilities, especially in the context of rapidly evolving health crises like Eris, remains a contentious and underexplored area. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the interplay between ethical obligations, Islamic jurisprudence, and modern legal standards. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the responsibilities borne by individuals in the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly in light of the unique challenges posed by the Eris variant. By doing so, the research contributes to the development of actionable guidelines that balance individual rights with collective health and safety.
Methods: This study employs a qualitative research approach, analyzing existing literature, case studies, and legal documents related to the jurisprudential and legal examination of individuals' responsibilities in the transmission of infectious diseases.
Results: The findings reveal that Islamic jurisprudence imposes a dual responsibility—moral and legal on individuals to prevent harm to others. The principle of "no harm, no harassment" establishes a clear obligation for individuals to avoid actions that may endanger the lives or well-being of others, even unintentionally. In the context of pandemics, this principle translates into mandates for adherence to health protocols, self-isolation when infected, and proactive measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission. From a legal perspective, Iranian law incorporates both civil and criminal provisions to address the reckless or intentional spread of infectious diseases. Articles in the Iranian Civil Code and Penal Code emphasize the importance of protecting public health and penalize individuals whose actions jeopardize community well-being. However, practical challenges such as proving causality, intent, or negligence complicate the enforcement of these provisions. The study also highlights the unique challenges posed by the Eris variant. Its rapid transmissibility and immune escape capabilities make it harder to trace infection chains and establish legal responsibility. The variant’s characteristics amplify the importance of public awareness and stricter adherence to health guidelines to mitigate its spread.
Conclusion: The intersection of ethical and legal responsibilities creates an opportunity to enhance public health strategies. Islamic jurisprudence, with its focus on moral accountability and social justice, aligns closely with the goals of public health policies. Legal frameworks, on the other hand, provide enforceable mechanisms to ensure compliance and deter negligent behavior. Together, these systems can reinforce societal resilience during health crises. The Eris variant exemplifies the evolving nature of pandemics and underscores the need for dynamic legal and ethical responses. The findings suggest that existing laws and principles, while robust, may require adjustments to address new challenges effectively. For instance, the rapid spread of Eris may necessitate broader definitions of negligence and the implementation of more comprehensive contact-tracing technologies. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of individual and collective responsibility in mitigating the impact of pandemics. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of integrating ethical principles with legal mechanisms to achieve effective pandemic management. By fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability, societies can better navigate the complexities of future health crises while safeguarding individual rights and public health.
Methods: This study employs a qualitative research approach, analyzing existing literature, case studies, and legal documents related to the jurisprudential and legal examination of individuals' responsibilities in the transmission of infectious diseases.
Results: The findings reveal that Islamic jurisprudence imposes a dual responsibility—moral and legal on individuals to prevent harm to others. The principle of "no harm, no harassment" establishes a clear obligation for individuals to avoid actions that may endanger the lives or well-being of others, even unintentionally. In the context of pandemics, this principle translates into mandates for adherence to health protocols, self-isolation when infected, and proactive measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission. From a legal perspective, Iranian law incorporates both civil and criminal provisions to address the reckless or intentional spread of infectious diseases. Articles in the Iranian Civil Code and Penal Code emphasize the importance of protecting public health and penalize individuals whose actions jeopardize community well-being. However, practical challenges such as proving causality, intent, or negligence complicate the enforcement of these provisions. The study also highlights the unique challenges posed by the Eris variant. Its rapid transmissibility and immune escape capabilities make it harder to trace infection chains and establish legal responsibility. The variant’s characteristics amplify the importance of public awareness and stricter adherence to health guidelines to mitigate its spread.
Conclusion: The intersection of ethical and legal responsibilities creates an opportunity to enhance public health strategies. Islamic jurisprudence, with its focus on moral accountability and social justice, aligns closely with the goals of public health policies. Legal frameworks, on the other hand, provide enforceable mechanisms to ensure compliance and deter negligent behavior. Together, these systems can reinforce societal resilience during health crises. The Eris variant exemplifies the evolving nature of pandemics and underscores the need for dynamic legal and ethical responses. The findings suggest that existing laws and principles, while robust, may require adjustments to address new challenges effectively. For instance, the rapid spread of Eris may necessitate broader definitions of negligence and the implementation of more comprehensive contact-tracing technologies. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of individual and collective responsibility in mitigating the impact of pandemics. Ultimately, this research highlights the importance of integrating ethical principles with legal mechanisms to achieve effective pandemic management. By fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability, societies can better navigate the complexities of future health crises while safeguarding individual rights and public health.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
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