ABSTRACT
This chapter considers further issues surrounding forensic genetic technologies. It first outlines the development of the Police National DNA Database (NDNAD) of England and Wales. The chapter indicates how the NDNAD can be thought of as evolving via a combination of technical and legal interventions. The chapter then moves on to discuss some emerging applications of DNA technology – familial searching, genealogy and DNA phenotyping – which aim to further exploit the investigative potential of DNA. The chapter considers the social and ethical issues raised by these technologies, including concerns over how familial searching and genealogy may impact upon family identity and the risks of phenotyping unduly discriminating against populations. The chapter draws upon sociological debates on these issues which has been informed by social research.
