Fashionable Genetic Explanations in the Courtroom: Litigating Personal Injuries Based on Genetic Risk

New developments in molecular genetics hold much promise for society. Gene therapy research is underway with the aim of helping to fight, and perhaps even eliminate some diseases. DNA data can be used as evidence to help free innocent people and put guilty ones in jail. Agricultural biotechnology can make crops and pesticides more productive. And cloning may offer exciting potential. There is little doubt that further· developments in the areas of genetics and biotechnology will change our lives in unanticipated ways. Despite the potential benefits to society, there exist valid and serious I concerns about the potential for misuse of genetic information. This article I addresses new attempts to use genetic information· in personal injury litigation and the unique ethical, legal, and social issues raised by the genetic defense