The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Profiling
The definition of the term, ‘Genetic Profiling’ refers to the procedure of analysing the DNA in samples of a person's body tissue or body fluid for the purpose of identification. DNA is the 0.1% of the DNA that differentiates each person from another, to identify individuals.
In criminal cases, DNA profiling is used to analyse small traces of DNA at a crime scene to bring the perpetrator to justice. This technology allows for the analysis of DNA left at a crime scene by the perpetrator allowing the families to have some closure knowing that the perpetrator of the offence is to be held accountable for their actions. Another main use of this technology would be if a child is biologically related to a family member, in most cases the father. When a father has some doubt on the relation to their child is related, this technology is available for them to find out if they are biologically related, this can damage a relationship and could be seen as an invasion of privacy. The medical community uses this technology in order to …show more content…
determine if a person is likely to develop a disease in the future. Genetic profiling is a highly debated topic, as it can be seen as removing a person’s right to a fair trial as stated in the Constitution, however on the other side this argument is if DNA testing is able to prove that a suspect had committed a crime it would be an obstruction of justice not to provide this a evidence in court.
Also the development of genetic profiling and the abilities of the government to create databases of genetic profiles that could be searched to identify possible criminals. There is always the possibility of widespread genetic profiling of people. This could be a move towards a more invasive system of government which resembles a police state. Genetic profiling gives detailed information about individuals. This information is conceivable, and could be used by organizations to discriminate against people. These sorts of issues will arise more and more as genetic profiling becomes more sophisticated and more easily
done.
Legislation regarding genetic profiling is lacking, and fails to protect individuals. There is some legislation, like this amendment, in 2006 an amendment to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) included "genetic information about an individual that is not otherwise health information in the definition of ‘sensitive information’.
New technologies are an example of why the law needs to reform in order to reflect social values. Because there are many moral and ethical issues concerning these technologies make it difficult to achieve justice for all parties involved and society as a whole. Therefore, the legal system can be seen as ineffective to a degree.
In criminal cases, DNA profiling is used to analyse small traces of DNA at a crime scene to bring the perpetrator to justice. This technology allows for the analysis of DNA left at a crime scene by the perpetrator allowing the families to have some closure knowing that the perpetrator of the offence is to be held accountable for their actions. Another main use of this technology would be if a child is biologically related to a family member, in most cases the father. When a father has some doubt on the relation to their child is related, this technology is available for them to find out if they are biologically related, this can damage a relationship and could be seen as an invasion of privacy. The medical community uses this technology in order to …show more content…
determine if a person is likely to develop a disease in the future. Genetic profiling is a highly debated topic, as it can be seen as removing a person’s right to a fair trial as stated in the Constitution, however on the other side this argument is if DNA testing is able to prove that a suspect had committed a crime it would be an obstruction of justice not to provide this a evidence in court.
Also the development of genetic profiling and the abilities of the government to create databases of genetic profiles that could be searched to identify possible criminals. There is always the possibility of widespread genetic profiling of people. This could be a move towards a more invasive system of government which resembles a police state. Genetic profiling gives detailed information about individuals. This information is conceivable, and could be used by organizations to discriminate against people. These sorts of issues will arise more and more as genetic profiling becomes more sophisticated and more easily
done.
Legislation regarding genetic profiling is lacking, and fails to protect individuals. There is some legislation, like this amendment, in 2006 an amendment to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) included "genetic information about an individual that is not otherwise health information in the definition of ‘sensitive information’.
New technologies are an example of why the law needs to reform in order to reflect social values. Because there are many moral and ethical issues concerning these technologies make it difficult to achieve justice for all parties involved and society as a whole. Therefore, the legal system can be seen as ineffective to a degree.