Anti-GMO and Vaccine-Autism Public Policy Campaigns in the Court of Public Opinion

54 Pages Posted: 20 Feb 2020 Last revised: 12 Feb 2021

See all articles by Robert C. Bird

Robert C. Bird

University of Connecticut - School of Business; University of Connecticut School of Law

Date Written: February 11, 2021

Abstract

Science skepticism is on the rise worldwide, and it has a pernicious influence on science and science-based public policy. This article explores two of the most controversial science-based public policy issues: whether genetically modified foods are inherently unsafe and whether vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder. After evaluating the scientific credibility and discursive power of these claims, this article analyzes how changes in public opinion can shift public policy away from anti-scientific practices. Legal scholarship can play a substantial role because, if accessibly-written, it has the potential to be timely, persuasive, and comprehensible by a broad audience. Other stakeholders also play a meaningful role. Finally, this article explores the possibility of what could happen if these movements are left unchecked. This article concludes that a coordinated effort by a variety of stakeholders, and especially relevant experts in the legal field, can roll back the tide of anti-science in the court of public opinion.

Keywords: genetically modified foods, vaccines, law and science, public policy

Suggested Citation

Bird, Robert C., Anti-GMO and Vaccine-Autism Public Policy Campaigns in the Court of Public Opinion (February 11, 2021). University of Connecticut School of Business Research Paper No. 20-06, Hastings Law Journal, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3541806 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3541806

Robert C. Bird (Contact Author)

University of Connecticut - School of Business ( email )

368 Fairfield Road
Storrs, CT 06269-2041
United States

HOME PAGE: http://businesslaw.business.uconn.edu/robert-bird/

University of Connecticut School of Law ( email )

55 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105
United States

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