Policy and Legislation Database

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Coverage and Reimbursement of Genetic Tests
Genetic Discrimination

Genetic Testing
Health Issues
Informed Consent for Genomics Research
Intellectual Property and Genomics

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Online Bioethics Resources


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Genetics and the Law

Whether and how genetic information should be used in the criminal justice system is a concern. Do we know enough yet about DNA fingerprinting, for example, to allow its use as evidence in courts of law? Beyond privacy and legal issues, research in genetics also raises questions relating to intellectual property rights. Who owns the results of genetics' research - the researchers, the institution(s) sponsoring the work or the individuals whose genetic material yielded the products? Under what circumstances can or should genes and other genetic material be patented?

DNA Forensics
Issues relating to the reliability of genetic information used as forensic evidence in courts of law.

The Role of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in the Federal Legislative Process
A Web poster presentation from the members of the Policy and Program Analysis Branch, Office of the Director, NHGRI.


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Last Reviewed: May 7, 2009