Genetically modified organisms and the legal regulation of their disposal

This thesis aims to give a complex insight into the framework and problem questions arising in connection with legal regulation of genetically modified organisms (hereinafter referred as "GMOs"). As the use of GMOs is spreading it brings along many discussions regarding their positive and potential negative impacts on human health and the environment. After the introduction into the GMOs from the practical and technical point of view, the analysis of the underlying principle, the precautionary principle, follows. Different approaches to the risks connected with GMOs formed different views on construction and application of the precautionary principle and caused its uncertainty as to its position in international law. Significant part of the international law relating to the GMOs consists of soft law documents. The willingness of states to be bound by binding rules in this area is still lacking. The only exception is the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety focusing on the transboundary movement of GMOs. The Law of European Communities comprises of Regulations, Directives, and Recommendations. The law distinguishes following types of use: contained use, deliberate release of GMOs into the environment for any other purpose than for placing on the market, release of GMOs on the market and transboundary movement...