title: [Scope and application of the precautionary principle in public law].
abstract: The precautionary principle set forth in article L.200-1 of the rural code is applicable to the environmental domain defined in the first paragraph of the same article. This principle regulates the action of public authorities responsible for elaborating environmental policies and implementing protective measures. It is not only a principle for political action but also a directly applicable legal measure specifically designed to authorize or impose the application of environmental protection measures, even in the absence of certitude. In its present state this new and very general standard fits awkwardly into the existing legal context. The Conseil d'Etat has extended the application of the precautionary principle to the domain of public health. In this context it is essential to maintain the important role of the advantage risk principle.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bacquet
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003657:Decision Making; D005602:France; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012423:Rural Health; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics