Judicature Genes and Justice
The Growing Impact of the New Genetics on the Courts

November-December 1999  Vol 83(3)

 
 
Societal concerns of the "new genetics"

Fairness in the use of genetic information by insurers, employers, courts, schools, adoption agencies, and the military, among others.

Privacy and confidentiality of genetic information.

Psychological impact and stigmatization due to an individual's genetic differences.

Reproductive issues including adequate informed consent for complex and potentially controversial procedures, use of genetic information in reproductive decision making, and reproductive rights.

Clinical issues including the education of doctors and other health service providers, patients, and the general public in genetic capabilities, scientific limitations, and social risks; and implementation of standards and quality-control measures in testing procedures.

Uncertainties associated with gene tests for susceptibilities and complex conditions (e.g., heart disease) linked to multiple genes and gene-environment interactions.

Conceptual and philosophical implications regarding human responsibility, free will vs genetic determinism, and concepts of health and disease.

Safety and environmental issues concerning genetically altered foods and microbes.

Commercialization of products including property rights (patents, copyrights, and trade secrets) and accessibility of data and materials.

Return to Genes, Dreams, and Reality...


Denise K. Casey is a science writer, editor, and educator with the DOE Human Genome Program Human Genome Management Information System at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She has written numerous articles for technical and lay readers on genetics and its applications and has served as a faculty member at judicial education seminars.
 
 
Table of Contents
The online presentation of this publication is a special feature of the Human Genome Project Information Web site.