Brief Communication: The dark side of risk and crisis communication: legal conflicts and responsibility allocation


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Date

2015-06

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

Inadequate, misinterpreted, or missing risk and crisis communication may be a reason for practitioners, and sometimes science advisors, to become the subjects of criminal investigations. This work discusses the legal consequences of inadequate risk communication in these situations. After presenting some cases, the discussion focuses on three critical issues: the development of effective communication protocols; the role, tasks, and responsibilities of science advisors; and the collateral effects of practitioners' defensive behaviours. For example, if the avoidance of personal liability becomes a primary objective for practitioners, it may clash with other objectives, such as the protection of vulnerable communities or the transparency of decision making. The conclusion presents some ideas for future research on the legal aspects of risk communication.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

15 (6)

Pages / Article No.

1449 - 1456

Publisher

Copernicus

Event

52° Corso di Cultura in Ecologia. Debris flows in a changing environment: processes, controls, consequences

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Organisational unit

09451 - Patt, Anthony G. / Patt, Anthony G. check_circle

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