To make sure that the prisoner's viewpoint is observed, review boards must consist of at least one inmate or inmate representative when examining such research (Kluge, 2010).

Children

In researches dealing with kids, government laws require that guardians or parents to give authorization. In most cases, the child may assent whenever possible. Parent's authorization is one factor of the "special protections" provided to this vulnerable segment. The need to obtain assent provides regard for the autonomy of kids and teenagers.

Cognitively Impaired Subjects

Issues concerning research among cognitively impaired subjects, such as individuals with a mental sickness or dementia, center on their potential to give consent. Currently, government laws do not specifically address research actions, including adults who lack decision-making potential. The Common law allows researchers to obtain consent from a subject's "legally approved representative." However, whether an unskilled individual's proxy has the right to approve research participation remains to...
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