Veratiserum is just like any other chemical with such potent effects: potentially dangerous. Yes, it should be monitored by the Ministry, but they shouldn’t necessarily control its use. And it’s especially because veratiserum is dangerous in an atypical way (rather than just causing physical harm) that the difference between regulation and control needs to be defined. People have all sorts of rights to privacy and property that people can lay claim to, including intellectual property. Veratiserum could be used to do anything from pulling the idea for the next big book from an author’s head to interrogating criminals, and even those on trial have a right against self incrimination.
Ultimately, though, I think it would be pretty difficult to regulate the use of veratiserum. It’s already been seen time and again that people can get away with just about anything (unregistered Animagi anyone?) without the Ministry every finding out. While I do think veratiserum use needs to be monitored, I can’t really hash out an effective means for doing so.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-09-16 05:27 am (UTC)Ultimately, though, I think it would be pretty difficult to regulate the use of veratiserum. It’s already been seen time and again that people can get away with just about anything (unregistered Animagi anyone?) without the Ministry every finding out. While I do think veratiserum use needs to be monitored, I can’t really hash out an effective means for doing so.
Caz // Gryffindor // 170