Quasi-Universal Forensic DNA Databases

Miller, S.R.M.; Smith, Marcus

doi:10.1080/0731129X.2022.2141021

Quasi-Universal Forensic DNA Databases

Title

Quasi-Universal Forensic DNA Databases

Author

Miller, S.R.M. (TU Delft Ethics & Philosophy of Technology; Charles Sturt University; University of Oxford)
Smith, Marcus (Charles Sturt University)

Date

2022

Abstract

This article considers individual rights and fundamental tenets of the criminal justice system in the context of DNA evidence, in particular recent advancements in genomics that have significantly advanced law enforcement investigative capabilities in this area. It discusses a technique known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) which utilizes genomic data held by commercial direct-to-consumer ancestry and health companies to investigate the identity of suspects linked to serious crimes. Using this technique, even if only a small proportion of the population (e.g. 5%) has submitted genomic data to these companies, almost anyone in the population can be identified. We discuss this phenomenon in the context of the existing literature and arguments in relation to universal forensic DNA databases, as well as relevant recent developments in both liberal democracies and authoritarian states. We introduce the concept of a quasi-universal forensic DNA database and consider associated implications for the criminal justice system and society from the perspectives of privacy, the right not to self-incriminate, joint rights, and collective responsibility.

Subject

autonomy
collective responsibility
DNA databases
DNA evidence
investigative genetic genealogy
privacy

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:0bcbd1c5-018f-49f3-96f0-fefc31975a8f

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/0731129X.2022.2141021

ISSN

0731-129X

Source

Criminal Justice Ethics, 41 (3), 238-256

Part of collection

Institutional Repository