Ethical, Social and Policy Aspects of Forensic Genetics: A Systematic Review

The EUROFORGEN Network of Excellence has brought together some of the leading individuals and groups in European forensic genetic research in order to extend existing collaborations as well as improve knowledge of innovations in this field of research and operation amongst potential users, policy makers and the general public. This systematic review contributes to one of the Network’s goals - to map the landscape of recent and contemporary social, legal and ethical debates about forensic genetics in Europe and beyond. The review describes the history of forensic genetics, and situates current research in this field within the broader research and innovation agenda of the European Union. It documents the three waves of recent social and ethical commentaries on the criminal justice uses of developments in forensic genetic research and pays particular attention to the variety of standpoints – both affirmative and critical – that can be found in these commentaries.