基因编辑技术应用的刑事风险与刑法应对——兼及《刑法修正案(十一)》第39条的规定

Criminal Risk of Gene Editing Technology Application and Criminal Law Response——the Provisions of Article 39 of the Criminal Law Amendment(Ⅺ)

基因编辑技术的发展使基因定位和精准修改基因成为现实。如果在不同领域广泛应用该项技术,不仅使犯罪分子故意利用该技术实施犯罪成为可能,而且在正当应用过程中可能因过失而导致发生严重危害结果的风险,立足于我国现有的刑法规定以及传统的刑法理论足以应对。但是,一旦他人滥用该技术对公共安全造成侵害以及威胁,在我国目前刑法体系下难以进行处罚。对此,虽然《刑法修正案(十一)》第39条增设了相关的规制内容,但是尚存在“类型归纳不全面”“法益类型归纳不足”等问题。因此,在规制立场上,应将威胁整体人类安全的公共风险作为本次立法的重点。在罪名上,可以考虑在危害公共安全犯罪之下增设“滥用基因编辑技术罪”;在罪状上,也应当将“制造武器、弹药、爆炸物”以及“制造针对特定基因人群的致病病毒、细菌”等行为纳入其中。

With the development of gene editing technology,gene localization and accurate gene modification have become a reality.When the technology is widely used in different fields,there is not only the possibility that criminals may intentionally use the technology to commit crimes,but also the risk that serious harmful consequences may occur due to the fault in the process of legitimate application.So far,the existing criminal law and the traditional theory in this aspect can properly address the problem.However,once someone abuses the technology to harm and threaten public security,it is difficult to carry out the punishment appropriately under the current criminal law system of China.In this regard,although China has added relevant regulatory contents in Article 39 of the Criminal Law Amendment(Ⅺ),there are still some problems such as“incomplete type induction”and“insufficient types of legal interests”.Therefore,from the standpoint of rules and regulations,public risks that threaten overall human security should be the focus of this legislation.In terms of charges,“the crime of abusing gene editing technology”could be charged under the crime of endangering public security.Besides,“manufacturing weapons,ammunition and explosives”and“producing pathogenic viruses and bacteria targeting specific gene populations”should also be included in the criminal charges.