The use of prisoners in research is a concern under the Belmont Principle of Justice because:

• A. Research involving prisoners is never subject to ethical review.
• B. Prisoners are always more likely to benefit from research than other groups.
• C. Prisoners may be unfairly selected for research due to their limited ability to refuse participation.
• D. The principle of justice does not apply to vulnerable populations such as prisoners.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the Belmont Principle of Justice, which emphasizes fairness in the distribution of the benefits and burdens of research. It requires that no group should be unfairly burdened or excluded from the potential benefits of research.
2. Step 2: Recognize that prisoners are considered a vulnerable population because their ability to give voluntary and informed consent may be compromised due to their incarceration and limited freedom.
3. Step 3: Analyze why the use of prisoners in research raises ethical concerns under the principle of justice. Specifically, consider that prisoners might be unfairly selected for research because they have fewer opportunities to refuse participation, which can lead to exploitation.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the incorrect options: research involving prisoners is subject to ethical review, prisoners are not always more likely to benefit from research, and the principle of justice does apply to vulnerable populations including prisoners.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the main ethical concern under the Belmont Principle of Justice is the potential for unfair selection and exploitation of prisoners in research due to their limited ability to refuse participation.