The principle of justice is about fairness when selecting research subjects.
Because all research carry some form of risks,
- People who are most likely to benefit from a research should bear its risks and burdens.
- When including people who are already vulnerable, burdened or at higher risks of harm in research, the benefits that they stand to gain should justify their risks and burdens.
But because research also brings potential benefits to individual subjects and the society,
- People who are equally likely to benefit from a research should be given the same opportunities to participate in it.
- People who are already vulnerable, burdened or at a higher risks of harm should not be automatically excluded from research. Additional protective measures should be put in place to enable their participation.
People should not be included or excluded simply based on convenience or personal favour.