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Introduction to Nuclear Law
Webinar Series on Nuclear Law
Description
Nuclear law provides a legal framework for conducting activities related to nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in a manner which adequately protects individuals, property and the environment from the dangerous effects of such activities. The international instruments cover all main areas of nuclear law, often referred to as the "Three Ss" of nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards, complemented by civil liability for nuclear damage.
Nuclear Safety aims to protect workers, the public and the environment from undue radiation hazards. Nuclear security involves the prevention and detection of, and response to, malicious acts involving nuclear material, other radioactive substances or their associated facilities. Safeguards warrant that nuclear material is not diverted for use in the production of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. In addition to these elements, nuclear liability aims for the establishment of a minimum of common standards protection against both local and transboundary damages resulting from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The webinar will provide an explanation of the concept, objectives and principles of nuclear law as a specific branch of law, its international and national components and the “Three S” concept in nuclear law covering safety, security and safeguards, as well as the basic elements of a national nuclear law.
By the end of this webinar, participants should be able to:
- Identify the definition and objective, as well as the main branches of nuclear law;
- Understand the distinction between the national and international components of nuclear law;
- Provide a definition for the “3S concept” of nuclear law, as well as liability for nuclear damage;
- Identify the existing international legal instruments governing nuclear safety, security and liability for nuclear damage;
- Understand the objective and scope of the main international legal instruments;
- Describe the IAEA’s role in this area, in particular, the IAEA legislative assistance programme; and
- Identify the basic elements of a national nuclear law.
Presenter
Wolfram Tonhauser, IAEA
Moderator
Peri Lynne Johnson, IAEA
