Event Description
For centuries, anthropologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, physicians, and sundry forensic scientists have been using biological indicia of individuality—from dermatoglyphics to DNA—for legal and social purposes. In this talk, Prof. Kaye described the process by which a biometric test or theory moves from the laboratory into the courtroom or the broader society. He drew on the history of DNA typing and ordinary fingerprinting for lessons about the process and how it can be improved. He also speculated on the future of the rapidly growing DNA databases for criminal investigations and the implications of genetic-identification technologies for personal privacy.
Commentators
Barbara A. Koenig, PhD
Mayo College of Medicine
William G. Iacono, PhD
Distinguished McKnight University Professor
University of Minnesota Department of Psychology
Media Coverage
Listen to Professor Kaye's interview on Minnesota Public Radio.
Read the related article from the Minnesota Journal of Law, Science & Technology.
Sponsorship
The Deinard Memorial Lecture on Law & Medicine is co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota's Joint Degree Program in Law, Health & the Life Sciences and the Center for Bioethics.
Support for the series comes from the law firm of Leonard Street and Deinard and the Deinard family.
Continuing Education Information
Continuing legal education credit (CLE) for attorneys (1.5 hours) has been approved.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Application has been submitted for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Determination of credit is pending. It is the policy of the University of Minnesota Office of Continuing Medical Education to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its sponsored educational activities.
All participating faculty, course directors, and planning committee members are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest.